A resolution honoring the President of Mexico, Felipe Calderon Hinojosa, for his service to the people of Mexico, and welcoming the President to the United States.

Whereas the relationship between the people and Governments of the United States and Mexico is based on trust, mutual respect, and cultural exchanges that have enriched both nations;

Whereas our two nations share not just a border, but also common values and common aspirations;

Whereas millions of Americans proudly claim Mexican ancestry, and the United States is home to the world’s second largest Mexican community;

Whereas, when the American people look to their south, they see not only a neighbor, but an ally and a friend;

Whereas mutual interests, including border security, economic prosperity, and clean energy, rely on the continuing development and deepening of the United States-Mexico relationship;

Whereas drug trafficking and related violence has taken a significant toll on both countries, resulting in the deaths of more than 22,000 people in Mexico in the last 3 years, including a number of law enforcement agents and public officials, highlighting the enormous problem of illegal drug use and gang violence in America;

Whereas the Governments of Mexico and the United States have worked together under the principle of shared responsibility to address this scourge through the Merida Initiative and through programs such as cooperative intelligence, border security, and anti-corruption efforts and efforts to stop the flow of weapons and illicit money from the United States into Mexico; and

Whereas the future security and prosperity of both nations depends on our continuing ability to work together in the spirit of our common values and long friendship: Now, therefore, be it