Oct 29, 1:00 PM EDT

Minn. governor to meet with Mexican president

RICHFIELD, Minn. (AP) -- Gov. Tim Pawlenty says he will meet with Mexican President Felipe Calderon next month.

The Republican governor leaves Sunday, Nov. 8., on what's being billed as a business development trip to Mexico, which he says is a growing trade partner with the state.

Pawlenty, who hasn't ruled out running for president in 2012. will meet with Calderon on Nov. 9. He'll also speak to the American Chamber of Commerce of Mexico before returning home Nov. 10. He says the trip will also include a reception with Minnesota and Mexican business leaders.

Pawlenty says he'll be traveling as part of a small group at state expense.

He made the announcement Thursday morning at Best Buy Co.'s corporate headquarters in Richfield.

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