Monday, August 9, 2010
Mexican President discusses goals with U.S. Congressmen
Presidency of the Republic
Mexican President Felipe Calderón
reports that during his state visit to the United States he met with a group of U.S. Congressmen, led by Democratic Congressman
Eliot Engel, Chairman of the Sub-Committee of the Western Hemisphere of the House of Representatives’ Committee on Foreign
Affairs.
During the meeting, they exchanged
points of view on various topics on the Mexico and United States bilateral agenda, and the main issues on the international
agenda such as the evolution of the world economy and climate change.
They highlighted the positive
level of cooperation that exists between the two countries regarding the fight against transnational organized crime, and
the advances achieved to date in the implementation of the Merida Initiative. They also agreed on the need to intensify actions
against arms dealing and money laundering.
President Calderón thanked Congressman
Engel for approving the Merida Initiative, but urged him to continue striving to reduce the obstacles that prevent resources
from reaching Mexico more efficiently.
They also hailed the joint efforts
aimed at improving border security from a perspective of shared responsibility. In this respect, President Calderón called
for the installation of non-intrusive technology to have a more efficient, safer border.
The President mentioned the regrettable
border incidents in which two Mexicans lost their lives. He said that his government is paying close attention to the development
of the investigations to clarify events and punish those responsible.
He repeated his willingness to
maintain a constant, open dialogue with representatives of the U.S. legislative branch in order to contribute to the promotion
of an integral migratory reform to achieve a safer common border.
Lastly, he expressed his government's
commitment to redoubling efforts to create better conditions so that Mexican workers will not have to leave the country in
search of opportunities.
President Calderón was accompanied
by Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Patricia Espinosa Cantellano, and Mexico's Ambassador in Colombia, Florencio Salazar Adame.
The meeting was also attended
by Senator George LeMieux, Republican for Florida; Congressman Albio Sires, Democratic for New Jersey; Congressman Gregory
W. Meeks, Democrat for New York; Congressman Aaron Schock, Republican for Illinois, and Republicans for Florida: Connie Mack
and Mario Díaz-Balart.
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Press Release: Presidency of
the Republic, August 7, 2010, Mexico, D.F.; translation Presidency of the Republic
