Obama, Calderon Reach Trucking Agreement

By Michael Lopez

President Barack Obama and Mexican president Felipe Calderon held an important meeting in Washington yesterday, discussing everything from international drug violence, to border revisions, to the NFL. By all accounts, the summit went well, with both agreeing to now permit Mexican cargo trucks into the U.S. for trade.

The “truck debate” turned out to be a major point of the discussion between the two presidents. Business leaders have long pressed for easier cargo truck accessibility between the nations, particularly in regards to NAFTA. Union heads, on the other hand, fought against it, believing the influx of Mexican truckers would take away American trucking jobs.

The compromise reached by the leaders would let trucks from Mexico cross the U.S.-Mexico border as long as they met all of the required U.S. safety standards. The deal would also remove the tariffs charged on goods the trucks carry, which equal nearly $2.4 billion a year.

Of course, Obama also expressed concern about the increased drug violence occurring in Mexico.

“I have nothing but admiration for President Calderon and his willingness to take this on," President Obama said during the press conference. "And the United States will support him in any ways we can to help him achieve his goals, because his goals are our goals as well.”

Those “goals” have been an increasingly strong stance against the Mexican drug cartels. Since taking office, Calderon has beefed up his police force and taken the offensive with the country’s most violent criminals. Unfortunately, the cartels have fought back and claimed responsibility for thousands of executions.

Calderon expressed hope that, with the continued U.S. support, his country will ultimately be victorious in its battle against cartel violence.

“I think that here, not just in terms of weapons, guns, we have to think in a much more open manner and seek much more creative solutions,” Calderon explained. “It seems to me that we are experiencing extraordinary circumstances that call for extraordinary actions by our governments.”

Of course, the presidents discussed more than politics. When answering questions from reporters, Obama explained that Calderon’s wife had a particular soft spot for the NFL, particularly Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez.

"I will say that at the state dinner the first lady of Mexico seemed quite excited to see Mark Sanchez there," Obama joked. "I don't know if that was of concern for you."

Are you happy with the current relations between the U.S. and Mexico? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Barack Obama, Felipe Calderon, Mexico, Politics, President Obama