U.S. President George W. Bush and Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin wrapped up a day of talks with a glittering dinner Tuesday night and promises to work toward common goals.

Alberta beef was on the dinner menu, but the two leaders did not digest the issue during the day's discussions. It was one of a few critical topics on the agenda that went unresolved.

In anticipation of his meal, Bush remarked, "I was pleased to see when I opened the menu that we will be eating Alberta beef."

But neither Bush nor Martin sank their teeth into the question they were expected to answer by now: When will the U.S. border open to Canadian beef?

Another question that went unresolved was what would happen to solve the trade war over softwood lumber.

A couple of topics that were not on the agenda, however, were at the forefront of Tuesday talks. The two leaders spoke about missile-defence and also Canada's role in the rebuilding of Iraq.

More specifically, the two leaders discussed how Canada would assist with Iraq's elections, a senior government official said.

"(Bush and Martin) both agreed in terms of identifying an appropriate contribution Canada may make,'' the official told a briefing. "There was no specific bilateral request or response.''

Agree to disagree, sometimes

Flanked by Mounties, regional police and security, the U.S. and Canadian leaders arrived in the Grand Hall of the Museum of Civilization in Gatineau, Que. Tuesday night.

"We don't always agree, and we won't always agree. But there is a spirit of renewal in the relationship between our two countries," Martin said before toasting the American people and their leader.

Earlier that day, smoothing over the political differences that divide their two countries, Bush and Martin announced plans to craft a new North American partnership at a press conference in Ottawa .

"It was indeed a productive meeting," Martin said. "In fact, we agreed to put forward an agenda in which our two nations will cooperate in a practical way towards common goals."

"It's about working together to advance democratic values and fundamental freedoms around the world," he added.

Noting that North American partner Mexico will also be called to the table, the prime minister said the specific priorities would be laid out in negotiations next year.

On the subject of trade in beef and lumber, Bush told reporters he recognizes that Canadians' are eager for a quick resolution.

"I understand the integrated nature of the cattle business and I hope we can get this issue resolved as quickly as possible," Bush said, assuring his audience the White House is processing the file "as quickly as possible."

"But there's a bureaucracy involved," he added.

"I'll readily concede we've got one," the president said, referring to the potentially five-month review now underway at the Office of Business and Management.

Addressing the same issue, Martin said he understands the president's political position, but nevertheless told him that the process, as it exists, is flawed.

"The system at the present time does not correspond to the reality," Martin said, suggesting there needs to be a better way. "There is something the matter with the dispute resolution mechanism that allows these things to go on and on."

Mending fences

Touted as a fence-mending mission, the trip to Ottawa marks the American president's only official visit to Canada since first taking office four years ago.

At the time, many thought Bush had snubbed Canada by choosing Mexico as the destination of his trip abroad. Relations were further strained when then-prime minister Jean Chretien refused to contribute troops to the U.S.-led war in Iraq.

Hoping to abandon his predecessor's legacy of bad blood with Washington since he was elected prime minister, Martin has done his best to thaw relations.

Following up on Bush's remarks, Martin admitted Ottawa and Washington disagree on "various questions of foreign policy," but chose instead to turn the focus to the country's shared values.

"It's quite normal among countries to have this kind of disagreement. But we have common shared values, shared ambitions and we share optimism also. That is what is fundamental."

Skipping the Parliamentary address of his presidential predecessors, Bush is reserving his big public speech for Halifax Wednesday morning.

That's when he is expected to thank Atlantic Canadians for their help in the wake of the Sept. 2001 terror attacks in the United States.