OTTAWA, Nov. 30 (Xinhuanet) -- US president George W. Bush arrived in Ottawa Tuesday morning to begin his much-anticipated first working visit to Canada.

    Bush, accompanied by US Secretary of State Colin Powell and hi ssuccessor Condoleezza Rice, was received by Canadian Governor General Adrienne Clarkson at the airport.

    Touted as a fence-mending mission, the trip marks the American president's first official visit to Canada since taking office in 2000.

    Bush is expected to have talks with Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin on bilateral and international issues including beef and softwood trade disputes and the situation in Iraq, Sudan and Haiti.

    Thousands of protesters are expected to be on hand to welcome the US president. Security has been stepped up throughout the capital city. Enditem