GUADALAJARA, Mexico—Targeting the sagging economy, President Barack Obama said Monday that he and the leaders of Mexico and Canada agreed to "aggressive, coordinated action" to restore growth across North America.
Noting the huge trading partnership among the three neighbors, Obama said that commerce must be expanded, not restricted.
The president also emphasized the need for orderly and legal migration, a sensitive issue on all borders.
Obama joined the leaders of Mexico and Canada in pledging a united effort on economic recovery, trade, swine flu and climate change. A statement from the leaders said their nations offered a "joint, responsible and transparent" response to the spreading swine flu threat.
They spoke at the end of a swift North American Leaders' Summit, an annual gathering launched during George W. Bush's presidency. The gathering typically yields fresh promises of coordination on many issues but no breakthroughs or initiatives.
Obama joined Mexican President Felipe Calderon and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper for a news conference after about two hours of talks. The president had arrived Sunday night and was spending less than 24 hours in Mexico.
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Copyright 2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Noting the huge trading partnership among the three neighbors, Obama said that commerce must be expanded, not restricted.
The president also emphasized the need for orderly and legal migration, a sensitive issue on all borders.
Obama joined the leaders of Mexico and Canada in pledging a united effort on economic recovery, trade, swine flu and climate change. A statement from the leaders said their nations offered a "joint, responsible and transparent" response to the spreading swine flu threat.
They spoke at the end of a swift North American Leaders' Summit, an annual gathering launched during George W. Bush's presidency. The gathering typically yields fresh promises of coordination on many issues but no breakthroughs or initiatives.
Obama joined Mexican President Felipe Calderon and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper for a news conference after about two hours of talks. The president had arrived Sunday night and was spending less than 24 hours in Mexico.
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Copyright 2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
