Bush, Calderon discuss drugs and trade in final meeting

Jan 13, 2009, 16:39 GMT

Washington - President George W Bush and Mexican President Felipe Calderon on Tuesday met for a final time before the US leader leaves office, vowing continued cooperation on combatting drug trafficking and promoting trade.

Bush said after the meeting that Calderon understands the importance of the war on drugs to both countries. 'He will not allow his country or parts of his country to be taken over by narco- traffickers. And that the United States of America wants to share and help deal with the issue on both sides of the border,' Bush said.

The leaders also thanked each other for support of the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) between the US, Canada and Mexico.

Calderon, who met with president-elect Obama on Monday, said the two neighbours would continue to 'build on the achievements that NAFTA has created,' while addressing concerns about protecting the environment and labour rights.

Obama said Monday he will work to strengthen relations with Mexico and efforts to cooperate on drug trafficking, security and immigration.

Obama met with Calderon at the Mexican Cultural Institute in Washington, upholding the pre-inaugural tradition of sitting down with the leader of the United States' southern neighbour.