Calderon Calls for Closer Ties with Canada, U.S.

(AFP – Michel Comte)

Mexican President Felipe Calderon on Thursday called for greater North American integration to compete with other trading blocs, at a time when Mexico-Canada bilateral relations are at a low point.

“Integration is key to restoring strong sustained growth in North America,” Calderon said in a speech to Canada’s parliament. “Mexico is a country in transformation,” he said. “That makes us a more valuable neighbor and a strategic partner for the future of North America’s prosperity.”

“Therein lies the importance of Canada and Mexico working together. We need more integration, not isolation, nor protectionism.”

Calderon’s trip comes on the heels of a visit to Washington last week where he and US President Barack Obama grappled with contentious border and immigration issues, along with the problem of drug wars in Mexico and the market for Mexican drugs in the United States. Read more here.