Washington - US President George W Bush called on Congress to approve the free-trade deal with Panama, after a meeting Wednesday at the White House with Panamanian President Martin Torrijos.

"Congress needs to get it done," Bush said. "This is important for both our nations, it's important for our economies, and it's important for our friendship."

Torrijos said that the two countries have a cooperative agenda that has helped improve health and education in Panama. (dpa)