“Three amigos” summit underway in Mexico

Drugs and trade are top of the agenda as President Barack Obama flew into Guadalajara for what is being called the summit of the “three amigos”.

The US leader was the first to arrive in Mexico for trilateral talks with Canada’s Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the host nation’s President Felipe Calderon.

All three countries are partners in the North American Free Trade Agreement, the largest free-trade zone in the world.

With that in mind, the expected second wave of swine flu could impact on commerce and travel between the three, something which their respective governments want to minimise.

Border security is also an issue. Recently, Obama acknowledged that the US shares the blame for violence south of the border because of drug consumption and gun trafficking.

While the leaders talk, anti-globalisation demonstrations are expected along with social activist rallies.

One group trying to get its message across represents migrant workers. Ill-feeling over immigration rights under the previous Bush administration has hampered cooperation. Obama has pledged to renew efforts on a citizenship path for illegal immigrants.

Copyright © 2009 euronews

tags: Canada, Mexico, North-America