Spain's Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero and visiting Mexican President Felipe Calderon on Thursday hailed the sound political, cultural and economic ties between their countries, while promising further cooperation in the fight against crime.
The two leaders pledged to enhance mutual cooperation in their respective fights, against the Basque separatist organization ETA in Spain and organized crime in Mexico, during a press conference following their meeting Thursday.
"The European Union (EU) considers Mexico a strategic partner for its stability, its potential and its future," a process in which Spain plays a "determinant role," said Zapatero.
He added that investment and trade relations between Mexico and Spain had great growth potential.
Zapatero expressed his satisfaction with the growing presence of Mexican investors in Spain, and said Spanish businessmen will continue to increase investments in Mexico.
For his part, Calderon promised support from Mexico's legal and police forces in Spain's fight against ETA.
The Mexican government endeavors to combat all kinds of organized crime, not just drug trafficking, he pointed out.
Calderon also called on the United States to play a bigger role in the international collaboration to fight drug trafficking. It is a common problem that has to be addressed with common responsibility, he said
Spain is Mexico's second trade partner in the EU, while Mexico is the first Spanish investment destination in Latin America. Trade between the two countries has made phenomenal progress, increasing 150 percent since 2000, Calderon said.
The Mexican president arrived here on Wednesday for his first State visit to Spain. On Friday, he will travel to the northern city of Zaragoza for the inauguration of the international Expo 2008 on water and sustainable development.
Source:Xinhua
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