Bush, Fox Find Common Ground On Trade, Immigrants and Drugs
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President Bush and Mexican President Vicente Fox announced an ambitious joint agenda yesterday to expand trade, protect the rights of immigrants and reduce drug trafficking. The pledge of cooperation came as the presidents ended their first formal meeting held at Fox’s colonial-era hacienda and farm. “We are welcoming a new day in our relationship between Mexico and the U.S., ” Bush said. “Me hace sentir que estoy entre familia,” Bush told Fox in Spanish. “I feel like I’m among family.” Fox warmly praised Bush’s decision to make Mexico the site of his first foreign trip, saying it marked a moment when “Mexicans and Americans, together, inaugurate an era of shared prosperity.” “Let me tell you, Mr. President, that you will always be welcome in this, your home,” Fox told Bush in English. “We consider you a friend of Mexico, a friend of Mexican people and a friend of mine.” Bush and Fox faced questions yesterday about the U.S. bombing of radar sites in Iraq, a decision Bush repeatedly characterized as “routine.” News of the raid broke as the two leaders faced reporters, but Fox denied suggestions that it overshadowed their much-heralded meeting. “I see no reason why we should connect one event with the other one,” Fox said. Despite the news from Iraq, nothing could dim Mexicans’ enthusiasm for what they termed “the cowboy summit.” More : sfgate.com |