[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.