California Gov. Statement Welcoming Mexico President Felipe Calderón and Mrs. Margarita Zavala to California

02/08/2008 -- California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement after the Permanent Commission of the Mexican Congress officially approved President Calderón's travel to the United States:

"Maria and I look forward to welcoming President Felipe Calderón and Mrs. Margarita Zavala to California. I am honored to have the opportunity to work with President Calderón on issues that are critically important to the people of Mexico and California. As neighbors, we have a unique and vital relationship, one that we will strengthen further with President Calderón. We will continue to build upon the strong partnership that exists between California and Mexico."

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Background:

Mexico President Felipe Calderón and Mrs. Margarita Zavala will arrive in California on February 12. In December 2006, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger attended President Felipe Calderón's Inauguration.

In November 2006, the Governor led more than 60 members of the agriculture, tourism and business communities on a two-day trade mission to Mexico City and Monterrey, Mexico. During his trade mission, the Governor met with then President-Elect Calderón, where they discussed issues of concern to both governments including trade, immigration and protecting the environment.

Mexico accounts for approximately $19.6 billion in export trade annually from California. Since 2002, California's agricultural exports to Mexico have nearly doubled in value, making it one of the state's fastest growing export markets. California's agricultural exports to Mexico represent an estimated 5 percent of the total U.S. agricultural exports to this market.

For additional information about the visit to the United States by President Felipe Calderón and Mrs. Margarita Zavala, please contact the Mexican Consulate at (916) 329-3540.

Source: California Governor