December 3, 2007

U.S. Senators Meet with Mexican President Calderón

1. Press Release: Presidency of the Republic (Mexico)

2. Statement by U.S. Senator Harry Reid

3. Statement by U.S. Ambassador Antonio Garza



1. Mexican President Meets with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid



November 29, Mexico City – During the meeting, President Felipe Calderón and the US senators exchanged points of view on key issues on the bilateral agenda, such as migration, combating organized crime and trade.

The president repeated the Mexican government’s position in favor of an integral migratory reform that will consider Mexican migrants' contributions to the US economy, society and culture and rejected the climate of persecution of migrants that prevails in certain parts of that country. He also stressed that since migratory flows reflect social, economic and demographic realities, the only long-term solution to the phenomenon is to consolidate the employment and living conditions in Mexico that will prevent Mexico from losing its best men and women.

The discussion regarding cooperation in the struggle against organized crime and drug trafficking focused on the "Merida Initiative," recently announced by the presidents of the two countries. It was agreed that this constitutes an opportunity to effectively deal with this common challenge, on the basis of the principle of shared responsibility and with full respect for the sovereignty of both countries. President Calderón stressed the need for US authorities to redouble their efforts to reduce arms trafficking to Mexico as part of this cooperation effort.

In discussing the state of economic relations between the two countries, the Mexican president stressed the importance of developing policies that will increase the competitiveness of both economies as part of North America, in order to meet the challenge raised by the emergence of increasingly dynamic growth centers in other parts of the world.

The US delegation included Democratic senators Jeff Bingaman, Kent Conrad, Byron Dorgan and Robert Menendez, as well as Republican senators Thad Cochran and Mike Crapo.

——————————

Press Release: Presidency of the Republic, November 29, 2007, Mexico City

Translation by Presidency of the Republic



• • •

2. Harry Reid Statement on Meeting with Mexican President Calderon



November 29, 2007, Mexico City – U.S. Senator Harry Reid of Nevada made the following statement today following his visit to Mexico during which he meet with Mexican President Felipe Calderon.

“The bipartisan Senate delegation had a frank and productive conversation with President Calderon. We look forward to working with the government of Mexico as partners and good neighbors in our fight against problems of mutual concern.

“President Calderon has already demonstrated his strong commitment to fighting drug trafficking and organized crime. He understands that economic development in Mexico will help reduce illegal immigration to the United States, and he is fighting for reforms to achieve that goal.â€