Mexican president, Felipe Calderon and his United States counterpart George W. Bush held a closed-door meeting on Tuesday, amid strict security measures, at the Temozon country house, close to Merida, the capital of the eastern Mexico state of Yucatan.

The meeting covered trade, migration and border security.

Bush arrived in Merida on Monday night, the last stop of a Latin American tour that began in Brazil on Wednesday last week, and also covered Uruguay, Colombia and Guatemala.

In each of these stops Bush stated that the purpose of his visit was to make known the importance of the region for the United States, and promote free trade.

During the welcome ceremony ahead of the meeting, Calderon asked Bush to lessen U.S. demand over illegal drugs, while Mexico intensifies its fight against organized crime, so that the drug trade can be fought efficiently in both nations.

Bush promised he would do all in his power related to a thoroughgoing migratory reform, which will benefit Mexican citizens living in the United States.

A military band played the two nations' national anthems during the ceremony, which took place under heavy security measures: hundreds of soldiers and police were deployed as were hundreds of U.S. security agents.

Mexico is the United States' third largest trading partner after Canada and China, while the United States is Mexico's top trading partner.

Calderon reminded Bush that the U.S. president had said that Mexico was the most important foreign country in relations with the United States, and said it was a shame that tougher security measures in the nation had affected Mexican migrants.

Calderon also echoed the U.S. demand for better border security and said that, after Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, tougher border enforcement measures were understandable.

All the nations visited by Bush have witnessed demonstrations by protestors criticizing what they describe as Washington's belligerent policy in Iraq and imperialist behavior in Latin America.

In Mexico, Bush will visit Mayan archeological city Uxmal, in Yucatan. The two presidents are also set to give a press conference in Merida, 900 km east of Mexico City.

Source: Xinhua