At a grand opening ceremony for a new border port of entry in San Luis Rio Colorado Mexico President Felipe Calderón says he hopes the new facility will slow the flow of dirty money and guns from the U.S. into Mexico and drugs from Mexico into the U.S.
I wrote about the importance of the port opening on cross-border business in Southwestern Arizona in today's Star: $42 million port of entry opens today at San Luis near Yuma.
And President Calderón's appearance at the Mexican celebration hammers home that point. During his speech, which I've posted in its entirety in Spanish in the box to the left, Calderón highlighted the importance of the new port in facilitating legitimate trade. He said it's only the second new port of entry opened in Mexico since 2000 with a third scheduled to open later this year along the border in Texas.
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"We, Mexicans, believe that beyond our problems, our differences, our history, the best thing two neighboring countries that are partners and allies can do is build bridges and border ports," said Calderón in Spanish according to a transcript sent out by his public affairs office. "We know that the only way we can really advance is by increasing our commerce."
Calderón he also talked about the importance new ports play in slowing illicit money and guns into Mexico and drugs into the United States.
"We don't want them to continue sending illegal money or guns, and nor do Americans want the illegal shipping of drugs and other illegal elements," Calderon said.
Here's a Spanish-language story from the local newspaper in San Luis Rio Colorado about Calderon's visit: México no quiere dinero sucio de EU: Calderón
