North American Leaders Vow To Remain United In Recovery Efforts

By BELO Border Bureau Chief Angela Kocherga

MEXICO CITY — President Obama wrapped up a two days of talks with the leaders of Canada and Mexico. The North American Leaders Summit focused in large part on regional health and security threats.

President Obama, Mexico’s President Felipe Calderon,and Canada’s Prime Minister Stephen HArperreinforced their commitment to working together as a region.

“North America is defined not simply by our borders but our bonds,” said Obama.

Bonds that are critical as the neighboring nations prepare for flu season.

“We talked about our shared and effective response to H1N1 thus far. It’s a cross border threat,” said Harper.

There was plenty of talk about combating powerful drug cartels whose criminal organizations crisis cross the border.

“The United States will remain a full partner in this effort,” said Obama. “We will work to make sure Mexico has the support it needs to dismantle and defeat the cartels.”

Both President Obama and Canada’s Prime Minister commended President Calderon for his courage in taking on the cartels. During the summit, Mexico’s federal police arrested a suspected cartel member who was plotting to assassinate Mexico’s president.

“No sera la primera, ni la ultima vez,” said President Calderon said it’s not the first nor will it be the last death threat he faces. The U.S. and Canada vow he will not face that threat alone.

The three leaders also talked about efforts to promote economic recovery in the region. That conversation will continue next month when theU.S. hosts the G-20 summit in Pittsburgh.