Who coined the term North American unity? Who is paying Pastor?
Bush, Fox, Harper Stress North American Unity, Cooperation Trilateral discussions in Mexico focus on trade, immigration, security
By Lauren Monsen
Washington File Staff Writer
Washington -- By working together to address shared concerns on such issues as border security, immigration and economic competitiveness, the three nations of North America can help ensure higher standards of living for all their citizens, according to the leaders of Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Mexican President Vicente Fox and U.S. President George W. Bush -- in Cancún, Mexico, for a March 30-31 trilateral summit – told reporters March 31 that the agenda of North America's Security and Prosperity Partnership (SPP) will be pursued through trilateral Cabinet-level meetings on trade, environmentally responsible energy policies, immigration, border security and technological innovation.
Public health and emergency management are key issues, as well, said Harper, explaining that in addition to cooperating on SPP programs, the nations planned to "develop a coordinated and comprehensive approach to preparing for a possible avian or pandemic influenza outbreak in North America."
Harper also cited the need for scientific innovation, especially development of clean technologies, a point on which Bush elaborated. "My view of the [North American] energy initiative is that we've got to be wise about the resources we have and be smart about the investment for research and development so we can change our energy habits," said Bush, referring to dependence on oil. "The truth of the matter is, we'll all be better off if we use alternative sources of energy like ethanol, or explore how to use hybrid batteries in a better way."
TRADE, BORDER SECURITY
Bush hailed the success of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which he credited with expanding the economies of Canada, Mexico and the United States since its implementation in 1994. He said all NAFTA parties should work to ensure trade under the agreement stays free and fair, and allows all three nations to remain competitive in the global economy.
On the subject of economic competition from other nations, Bush said "the challenge of a growing Chinese economy or the challenge of an Indian economy" should not be feared or sidestepped. "We ought to welcome them and position ourselves so that we can compete, and I think the [other North American] leaders share that sense of unity when it comes to being a competitive part of the world" in the 21st century, he said.
Border security within North America should not hinder trade and tourism and must facilitate legitimate travel and commerce, the three leaders agreed. They also agreed advanced technologies and close cooperation can help ensure that terrorists and criminals are denied entry.
“It's very important for us to share information and data and strategies amongst our three countries" to "prevent smugglers and terrorists and dope runners from polluting" North America, according to Bush. Fox cited the need to increase the competitiveness of "our economies, of our companies, our enterprises, our [infra]structures, and likewise, our technological and educational levels so as to face competition [with] other blocs in the world." Moreover, he said: "Security is fundamental for our future development. It is a problem and a challenge shared by the three countries" of North America.
The Mexican president, who supports Bush's proposal for a guest-worker program in the United States that likely would legitimize the status of many Mexican migrants who have entered the United States illegally, said the question of migrants "can only be solved [once] we agree upon ... the framework of a legislation that will guarantee a legal, ordered, safe and respectful migration" that recognizes the human rights of even undocumented immigrants.
The Mexican-Canadian-U.S. relationship is "excellent," Fox added, because the three countries have much in common, despite their differences. "We shall be working together," he vowed, to advance the cause of prosperity and security throughout North America.
On March 31, the White House issued two fact sheets outlining the SPP initiative's achievements and anticipated future benefits. (See " The Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America: Progress" and “The Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America: Next Step" on the White Web site.)
The next North American summit will be hosted by Canada in 2007.