President Clinton spoke at the National Auditorium before an audience representing a cross-section of Mexican society, including representatives of women's groups and non-governmental organizations, and members of the business community. The speech provided President Clinton an opportunity to offer a greater context for U.S.-Mexican relations, including the partnership the United States and Mexico share addressing issues such as counternarcotics, trade, migration, education and the environment.
Lunch with President and Mrs. Zedillo
President Clinton lunched with President and Mrs. Zedillo in Tlaxcala (Tlass-KAH-lah), capital of the state of the same name, 50 miles east of Mexico City. The city boasts a charming colonial square in the city center and is the site of the San Francisco monastery complex, the oldest permanent Catholic structure in the New World (located one block from the square). The monastery shows Moorish influences which is unusual for a Mexican monastery. President Clinton is expected to receive a welcome by the people of Tlaxcala as well as a brief greeting from the Tlaxcalan state governor.
Archeological Tour at Teotihuacan, Mexico
President Clinton toured one of the world's most spectacular archaeological sites today at Teotihuacan (Tay-oh-tee-wah-KAHN). Built by a lost civilization, the city was already abandoned before the rise of the Aztecs. Teotihuacan is best known for the pyramids of the sun and the moon. Only the great pyramid of Cheops (Egypt) and the pyramid at Cholula (also near Mexico City) are larger than the pyramid of the sun. The huge site (eight square miles) also includes the remains of numerous temples and other buildings. Artifacts discovered at Teotihuacan are stored at the Anthropological Museum in Mexico City, visited by President Clinton on Tuesday.
U.S. Embassy Staff Meet and Greet
Following an introduction by Ambassador Jim Jones, President Clinton made brief remarks to the staff of the American Embassy in Mexico City. The embassy is one of the largest in the world, and is supported by many U.S. federal departments and agencies.
Upon arrival at Juan Santa Maria International Airport, President and Mrs. Clinton were welcomed by President and Mrs. Maria Figueres, Foreign Minister Fernando Naranjo, and a contingent of Costa Rican schoolchildren.
Bilateral Meeting with President Figueres
President Clinton met with President Figueres to discuss and reaffirm the commitment the United States and Costa Rica have to cooperating on issues such as counternarcotics, hemispheric free trade, and the environment. The meeting was also an opportunity for President Clinton to salute President Figueres' strong regional leadership role and to thank him for hosting the regional summit.
Today on the Central American Trip
Wednesday, May 7, 1997
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