Speech #960119746

For our part. we need to recognize that south of our 2.000mile common border lies a proud. rapidly growing nation of 70 million people. a land that is the heir of some of the Western Hemispheres oldest and most highly organized civilizations. Mexicos rich Indian cultures have blended with its Spanish colonial heritage and the results are unique. In our dealings with our neighbors. we must be mindful that there are cultural differences and the weight of history that looks very different. depending on whether it is viewed from south or north of the border. Let me turn now to four of the major issues that are of common concern to the United States and Mexico today: Immigration. narcotics traffic. trade. and energy.