U.S. President Barack Obama on Thursday paid a whirlwind working visit to Canada, during which both sides pledged closer cooperation on economy, climate change and global security issues.

COMMON APPROACH TO ECONOMY, ENVIRONMENT, SECURITY

At a joint press conference following their meeting, Prime Minister Stephen Harper and President Obama pledged a common approach to tackle climate change and the global recession as well as international security issues including Afghanistan.

The two sides will work closely to counter the global economic recession with "mutually beneficial stimulus efforts," said Harper.

"President Obama and I agree that Canada and the United States must work closely to counter the global economic recession by implementing mutually beneficial stimulus measures and by supporting efforts to strengthen the international financial system," Harper said.

The two leaders also agreed to establish a "clean-energy dialogue" to cut greenhouse gas emissions and fight climate change.

The pair also discussed ways of promoting international peace and stability, including in Afghanistan.

But Obama said he did not ask Harper to extend Canada's combat role in the central Asian country beyond its planned withdrawal date in February 2011.

Both appreciated the close alliance between the two neighbors and expected further strengthening of bilateral ties in the future.

"I came to Canada on my first trip as president to underscore the closeness and the importance of the relationship between our two nations and to reaffirm the commitment of the United States to work with friends and partners to meet the common challenges of our time," said Obama.

"NO" TO PROTECTIONISM

Obama also tried to soothe Canada's fears of the looming protectionist wave in the United States.

"I provided Prime Minister Harper an assurance that I want to grow trade, not contract it," Obama said at the press conference.

"I don't think that there was anything in the recovery package that is adverse to that goal," he added.

He said that the United States will be careful of any signs of protectionism.

Canada has said it remains concerned about the "Buy American" provision in the newly-adopted U.S. stimulus package, which requires public projects to use "Made in U.S." iron and steel to get funding.

CHEERING THE PUBLIC

Polls have showed that Obama is highly popular in Canada, with 81 percent of the public supporting him to be the U.S. president.

Thousands of Canadians from far and wide have gathered in the capital in this snowy day, hoping to just get a glimpse of the visiting president. But tight security has let most of them down.

However, Obama did find some time to cheer the welcoming crowds. After he was greeted by Prime Minister Harper with a handshake in Parliament's Center Block, the pair walked outside to smile and wave at a 2,500-strong cheering crowd gathering on the front lawn.

Though Obama was standing behind a shield of bulletproof glass, the crowd roared their approval all the same.

Obama also surprised passersby when his motorcade pulled into Ottawa's quaint Byward Market to let him pick up a few local souvenirs, including some cookies from the Le Moulin de Province bakery.

The president also reportedly asked his staff to pick up a "snow globe" from a local crafts store.

Hundreds of people flooded into the area to catch a glimpse of Obama, who took time to shake hands with some of the well-wishers.

Traveling on Air Force One, Obama touched down at Ottawa International Airport around 10:30 a.m. local time (1530 GMT), and was greeted by Governor General Michaelle Jean and a group of Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) ceremonial guards.

He also held a brief meeting with Canada's opposition leader Michael Ignatieff, before embarking on the return journey around 5p.m. local time (2200 GMT).

Editor: Yan