[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 43, Number 11 (Monday, March 19, 2007)]
[Pages 326-327]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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, 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

[[Page 327]]

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. A tape was 
not available for verification of the content of these remarks.