News release issued by Reyes' office.
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REYES MEETS WITH PRESIDENT FELIPE CALDERON
Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Congressional leaders meet with Mexican President in the U.S. Capitol following meeting between President-elect Obama and President Calderón
“Today, I had the opportunity to meet with President Felipe Calderón, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and other congressional leaders in Washington to discuss key legislative priorities for the 111th Congress, such as the Merida Initiative, comprehensive immigration reform, and efforts to enhance bi-national trade and commerce.
“We continue to stand firmly with the Mexican government during this tumultuous time, and will work cooperatively President Calderón to move forward with the Merida Initiative to help reduce the drug-related violence in Mexico.
“I applaud President Calderón for his bold leadership and courageous efforts to combat Mexico’s drug cartels, whose senseless acts of violence claimed over 5,400 lives last year. His meeting today with President-elect Obama and congressional leaders underscores the close relationship between our two countries, and I am confident we will strengthen our strategic partnership under the new administration.
“The U.S. Congress has already committed resources through the Merida Initiative to help Mexico continue its efforts to defeat the drug cartels and reduce the violence. I look forward to working together with my colleagues in Congress, President-elect Obama, and President Calderón to continue these efforts to help restore peace and stability in Mexico.”
