    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2007, Book I)]
    [March 13, 2007]
    [Pages 302-303]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks at a Luncheon Hosted by President Felipe de Jesus Calderon
    Hinojosa of Mexico in
    Merida, Mexico
    March 13, 2007

        Senor Presidente, thank you very much for your gracious hospitality.
    I think you picked a perfect place to invite Laura and me and our delegation. It's a beautiful land. It is
    a spectacular day. And our meetings were constructive. Thank you, First
    Lady, for your
    hospitality as well.
        Relations between Mexico and the United States are muy importante.
    We've got a great history. We've got a strong tradition of working
    together. And my job,

    [[Page 303]]

    Mr. President, is to do all I can to work with you to advance progress
    on both sides of the border.
        There are issues, of course, issues that we discussed today and will
    continue to discuss in a manner of respect and dignity. Perhaps the
    biggest issue concerning your country is the issue of migration. America
    is a country of law; we'll respect law. But America is also a hospitable
    country, a country that recognizes the value of each human being. And as
    the President of your grand country, I know you're deeply concerned
    about how your citizens are treated within our country. And my pledge to
    you and the people of Mexico is, they'll be treated with respect and
    dignity.
        The best way to do that is to pass a migration law that upholds the
    values of America and, at the same time, allows us to respect the rule
    of law. As I told you in private, as you expressed your deep concerns
    about whether or not America can pass such a law, that I will use all
    the efforts I can, working with both Republicans and Democrats, to pass
    such a piece of legislation.
        We spent a lot of time talking about Mexico's important role in the
    world, and I thank you for your leadership, Mr. President. You're
    President of a great country. You will use your influence to foster
    social justice and prosperity and peace. I look forward to your
    leadership on such issues; I look forward to helping you as best I can,
    as best as you request to do so.
        And I, too, would like to offer a toast. I'd like to offer a toast
    to the great people of a great country, nuestro amigo, Mexico, and to
    your salud, Mr. President.

    Note: The President spoke at 12:45 p.m. at Hacienda Temozon. In his
    remarks, he referred to Margarita Esther Zavala Gomez del Campo, wife of
    President Calderon. The transcript released by the Office of the Press
    Secretary also included the remarks of President Calderon.