"But should we succumb to a race to the bottom and to a protectionism that history tells us that in the end protects no one? No, we should have the confidence, America and Britain most of all, that we can seize the global opportunities ahead and make the future work for us," he said.

Meanwhile, Brown expressed his hope that the Group 20 summit to be held in April in London would yield an agreement on overhauling the world of international finance.

"So that the whole of our worldwide banking system serves our prosperity rather than risks it, let us agree in our G20 summit in London in April rules and standards for proper accountability, transparency, and reward that will mean an end to the excesses and will apply to every bank everywhere all the time," the prime minister said.

Brown is the fifth British prime minister to address a joint session of the US Congress, according to news reports.

During his meeting with Brown on Tuesday, US President Barack Obama said the special relationship with Britain is important to the American people, and that Britain is one of the closest and strongest allies of the United States.

(Xinhua News Agency March 5, 2009)