January 28, 2008

Mexican President Receives USA Legislators from Texas

Presidency of the Republic

Mexico City – The Office of the Mexican Presidency reported that President Felipe Calderón received United States legislators Henry Cuellar of the Democratic Party, and Michael McCaul of the Republican Party, both from the state of Texas, accompanied by the US Ambassador to Mexico, Antonio O. Garza.

The congressmen are members of the Sub-Committee on Border Control and the Fight Against Terrorism, of the Homeland Security Committee of the US House of Representatives. During the conversation, various aspects of the bilateral agenda of both countries were reviewed, together with issues related to the common border, the need to facilitate the legitimate flows of goods and people, their safety conditions and cooperation agreements in this area.

The two legislators expressed their interest in finding out about the Mexican perspective on the Mérida Initiative, and the way cooperation could be reinforced to combat transnational organized crime.

They agreed that the Mérida Initiative marks a new sphere of cooperation in the face of the common challenge of the fight against organized crime. The coordination of actions within the territories of each of the countries, with full respect for the sovereignty of both parties, is one of the main components of the Initiative, together with training and technology exchange, crucial aspects for reinforcing the ability to combat organized crime.

The delegation of visitors from the United States hailed the anti-drug trafficking policy led by President Felipe Calderón and his conviction that cooperation is the best response to this scourge that affects the communities of both countries.

——————————

(Press Release: Presidency of the Republic, January 22, 2008, Mexico City)

Translation Presidency of the Republic