[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 33, Number 19 (Monday, May 12, 1997)]
[Page 652]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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.