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Obama makes first foreign visit Obama makes first foreign visit
(about 1 hour later)
Barack Obama is in the Canadian capital Ottawa on his first foreign trip as president, for talks with Prime Minister Stephen Harper.Barack Obama is in the Canadian capital Ottawa on his first foreign trip as president, for talks with Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
Trade, the global economy and the war in Afghanistan are the main issues to be discussed during the six-hour visit.Trade, the global economy and the war in Afghanistan are the main issues to be discussed during the six-hour visit.
As America's biggest trade partner, Canada is worried about the "Buy American" measures in the $787bn (£546m) stimulus plan.As America's biggest trade partner, Canada is worried about the "Buy American" measures in the $787bn (£546m) stimulus plan.
Canadian troops are due to pull out of the Nato force in Afghanistan in 2011.Canadian troops are due to pull out of the Nato force in Afghanistan in 2011.
President Obama was met by Canadian Governor General Michaelle Jean and an escort of Royal Canadian Mounted Police at Ottawa's airport.
Mr Obama is to have talks with Mr Harper and key officials followed by lunch and a brief news conference. He will then meet opposition Liberal Party leader Michael Ignatieff at the airport before he returns to Washington.
Popular presidentPopular president
With America expanding its forces in Afghanistan by 17,000, Mr Obama would like Canada to reconsider its current commitment to pulling out its combat troops in two years' time.With America expanding its forces in Afghanistan by 17,000, Mr Obama would like Canada to reconsider its current commitment to pulling out its combat troops in two years' time.
But Mr Obama is not likely to press the issue now, says the BBC's North America editor Justin Webb.But Mr Obama is not likely to press the issue now, says the BBC's North America editor Justin Webb.
And on trade he will be just as diplomatic, promising that he remains committed to free trade with America's most important commercial partner, says Justin Webb. On trade he will be just as diplomatic, promising that he remains committed to free trade with America's most important commercial partner, says Justin Webb.
President Obama has a high approval rating north of the borderPresident Obama has a high approval rating north of the border
Trade between the North American neighbours is worth $1.5bn a day and Mr Harper is likely to seek assurances over the protectionist "Buy American" provision in the huge stimulus package signed into law by President Obama.Trade between the North American neighbours is worth $1.5bn a day and Mr Harper is likely to seek assurances over the protectionist "Buy American" provision in the huge stimulus package signed into law by President Obama.
Under the provision public works funded by the fund must use only iron, steel and other goods made in the US.Under the provision public works funded by the fund must use only iron, steel and other goods made in the US.
Mr Obama has stressed that the United States will comply with its treaty obligations regarding international trade.Mr Obama has stressed that the United States will comply with its treaty obligations regarding international trade.
Environmental activists have urged President Obama to get tough with Canada about its massive oil sands operation which produces a high amount of greenhouse gases blamed for climate change.Environmental activists have urged President Obama to get tough with Canada about its massive oil sands operation which produces a high amount of greenhouse gases blamed for climate change.
In an interview with the Canadian broadcaster, CBC, ahead of the visit Mr Obama said he wanted to work with Canada on new technologies to capture greenhouse gases.In an interview with the Canadian broadcaster, CBC, ahead of the visit Mr Obama said he wanted to work with Canada on new technologies to capture greenhouse gases.
President Obama was met at Ottawa's airport by Canadian Governor General Michaelle Jean and an escort of Royal Canadian Mounted Police at Ottawa's airport.
Ms Jean is a Haitian immigrant and Canada's first black governor general - the representative of Queen Elizabeth, Canada's titular head of state.
Mr Obama later met Mr Harper at Parliament Hill in Ottawa for what was billed as a working lunch with the prime minister and senior members of his cabinet.
Following a news conference, Mr Obama will meet opposition Liberal Party leader Michael Ignatieff at the airport before he returns to Washington in time for dinner.
Busloads of Obama supporters have arrived in Ottawa, hoping for a glimpse of the president, in contrast to the thousands of protesters who descended on the capital for President George W Bush's visit in 2004.Busloads of Obama supporters have arrived in Ottawa, hoping for a glimpse of the president, in contrast to the thousands of protesters who descended on the capital for President George W Bush's visit in 2004.
Mr Obama is very popular in Canada: 66% of Canadians wanted him to be president according to a Gallup opinion poll, but the high security surrounding his visit may mean Canadians hardly see him in person.Mr Obama is very popular in Canada: 66% of Canadians wanted him to be president according to a Gallup opinion poll, but the high security surrounding his visit may mean Canadians hardly see him in person.