    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book I)]
    [May 6, 1997]
    [Pages 545-546]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks at the Welcoming Ceremony in Mexico City, Mexico
    May 6, 1997

        President and Mrs. Zedillo, members of the Mexican Government,
    citizens of Mexico, saludos, amigos. I am delighted to be in Mexico,
    rich with history, culture, and beauty, and most of all, a great and
    good people who have given so much to the world.
        In 1943, the Presidents of our countries exchanged visits in
    Monterrey and Corpus Christi, launching a tradition of Presidential
    meetings we carry forward today. President Roosevelt noted, in that dark
    night of war, that our people had found they had common aspirations and
    could work for a common objective. Today, at the dawn of a new century,
    in a very different time, we still have common aspirations and we must
    work for a common objective, for the partnership between our two great
    nations has never been more important.
        Powerful currents of commerce and culture pull us closer together. A
    growing convergence of values and vision gives our friendship new force.
    Mexico is opening democracy's doors, embarking on bold economic reform,
    decentralizing power, and giving new voice to its citizens, communities,
    and regions.
        The success of Mexico's endeavors matters to the United States of
    America. Our nations share far more than a common border; we share
    common challenges and common opportunities as we move toward a new
    century. We must meet the future together, respecting each other's
    uniqueness but knowing that in today's world, cooperation is the surest
    path to security, prosperity, and peace.
        We are reaping the benefits of more open trade and working toward a
    wider community of stable, free-market democracies throughout the
    Americas. We want a 21st century where economic growth creates more and
    better jobs, where a good education and a clean environment are the
    birthright of every child, where we conquer our common enemies of drugs
    and crime, where accountable governments provide the tools for people to
    make the most of their own lives. Our challenges are great, but so is
    our resolve.
        President Zedillo, I thank you for taking some time last night to
    show me through the remarkable museum containing the ancient heritage of
    Mexico. Here in the heart of modern Mexico, the remnants of a remarkable
    ancient civilization rise up through the city's foundations. Your great
    writer Carlos Fuentes has written, ``The greatness of Mexico is that its
    past is always alive.''
        But, Mr. President, just as alive and just as great is the vitality
    of Mexico's present and the promise of its future. I have seen it in the
    bold leadership you have exerted, in the vibrant debate going on in your
    country, in the strong efforts made by the ordinary citizens of Mexico.
    Mexico's promise for the future is seen in the hands of its working
    people, in the efforts of those working to deepen democracy, in the
    talent of its writers and artists, and most of all, in the faces of the
    children here today.
        Mr. President, our histories and our destinies are forever joined.
    Let us reach across our common frontier to embrace our tomorrows
    together, to enter the 21st century as valued partners and trusted
    friends.
        Again, thank you for making Hillary and me and our party feel so
    welcome. And thank you for the future we are building together.

    Note: The President spoke at 9:28 a.m. at Campo Marte. In his remarks,
    he referred to President Ernesto Zedillo of Mexico and his wife, Anilda
    Patricia.

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