Admiral Mullen Visits Mexico on Regional Tour

Mexico City | March 6, 2009

Admiral Mullen Visits Mexico on Regional Tour 1

Admiral Mullen Visits Mexico on Regional Tour 2

The Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen, arrived in Mexico last night to meet with senior Mexican leaders.

His agenda included discussions with Secretary of Defense General Guillermo Galvan and also with Secretary of the Navy Admiral Mariano Francisco Saynez.

Mullen said it was vital to further strengthen America's bilateral relationship with Mexico.

"Mexico is not just our neighbor. She is our good friend and a nation with whom we share a long border and shared responsibilities. I come here to listen and to learn, and to try to see the security challenges we both face through the eyes of Mexican leaders. I share their deep concern over organized crime and narco-trafficking and appreciate their vigorous efforts to improve security. Mostly, I look forward to working on ways our two militaries can better cooperate."

Mullen also spoke to Mexican Army and Navy officers at the Naval War College and visited the American Cemetery.

A high point of Mullen's trip was a wreath-laying ceremony at the 201st Fighter Squadron Memorial in Chapultepec Park, where he met personally with ten veterans of the original squadron and their families.

“It was a great honor to meet with these heroes, who flew and fought side-by-side with our pilots in the Second World War,” said Mullen. “The Aztec Eagles not only protected our troops on the ground, but also flew missions in support of our naval operations. I was proud and humbled to be with them today.”

This is Admiral Mullen's first visit to Mexico since assuming his current post. He last visited Mexico in September 2005 for “the Grito” as Chief of Naval Operations.