Politician · person

Felipe Calderón on George W. Bush

Constructive partner (strong)

TL;DR

Felipe Calderón maintained a relationship of strong bilateral cooperation with George W. Bush despite ongoing shared challenges.

Key Points

The two leaders expressed satisfaction with their March 2007 meetings, affirming commitments to democracy, rule of law, and free trade.
Calderón publicly criticized the U.S. decision to construct border fencing, likening it to the Berlin Wall, during Bush's tenure.
Both leaders affirmed the importance of the North American Free Trade Agreement, which Calderón noted helped create millions of export-related jobs in Mexico.

Summary

Felipe Calderón, as President of Mexico, characterized his relationship with George W. Bush as one of strong cooperation, despite the significant, shared challenges facing both nations. Calderón expressed that he had a very good relationship with the President and his staff, emphasizing mutual respect and cordiality during their meetings to discuss complex bilateral issues. Key areas of cooperation focused on strengthening the fight against organized crime and drug trafficking, an effort Calderón noted required significant commitment and shared responsibility from the United States to reduce demand for drugs and stop illegal arms flow across the border.

The shared agenda also heavily featured trade and immigration reform, with both leaders affirming commitment to the North American Free Trade Agreement, which Calderón believed had been beneficial for both economies. However, Calderón also publicly admonished the U.S. for issues like the border fence, which he likened to the Berlin Wall, and called for the U.S. to do "much more" than symbolic gestures on drug interdiction. While expressing gratitude for Bush's support on security and trade, Calderón navigated domestic political pressures that colored Mexican perceptions of the U.S. administration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did Felipe Calderón say about George W. Bush's efforts on drug trafficking?

Felipe Calderón urged George W. Bush that the United States must do "much more" than symbolic gestures to help combat drug trafficking. While thanking the president for cooperation and a joint commitment to the fight, Calderón stressed that Mexico was putting lives on the line and the U.S. needed to reduce its demand.

How did Felipe Calderón view the U.S.-Mexico relationship under George W. Bush?

Calderón viewed the relationship as fundamentally positive, stating he had a very good personal relationship with President Bush. They worked closely on shared security concerns and trade, aiming for a new stage of bilateral relations based on mutual respect.

Did Felipe Calderón agree with George W. Bush on the border fence?

No, the Mexican leader expressed concern over the U.S. decision to build a new border fence, comparing it to the Berlin Wall. Calderón argued that improving Mexico's economy was a better way to lessen the desire for illegal immigration to the United States.