IN MEXICO

New President's First Trip Reaffirms Importance Of New Relationship

In his first major diplomatic initiative, President Bush travels to Mexico
on Friday to meet with Mexican President Vicente Fox at his ranch in
Guanajuato state, northwest of Mexico City.

While critics question Bush's qualifications in foreign policy -- he has
traveled to Europe only once, when his daughter was student in Italy -- the
new president's credentials on Mexico are more promising.

As governor of Texas, Bush developed a working relationship with Mexican
officials on a variety of issues relative to their shared border.

For too long, Washington has given too little attention to the importance
of Mexico -- an indifference not lost on the people of Mexico. It would
seem obvious that when we share families, history, culture, languages,
commerce and a 2,000-mile border, the two countries have common interests
to discuss.

Fox brings to the table ambitious plans to make Mexico an equal partner in
trade and other matters. He has advocated, for example, open borders
between the two countries. As a practical matter, that won't happen anytime
soon.

Still, it's time for an honest discussion of issues of mutual interest --
trade, energy, labor, immigration, drug trafficking.

When it comes to Mexico, Americans often say one thing and do something else.

Despite all the bombast about illegal immigration, the American economy
needs Mexican labor.

About drugs, Washington is right to insist the Mexico do more to clean up
the corruption that cripples efforts to curb the supply of heroin, cocaine,
amphetamines and marijuana that cross the border.

But Washington must also acknowledge that this is a home-grown problem, as
well. If Americans weren't willing to spend billions of dollars on drug
habits, narcotic trafficking wouldn't be a problem for Mexico.

These issues won't be solved in the first meeting, or the first year of
meetings.

But Bush will make a major contribution to hemispheric relations if he
signals to the Mexicans that his country is prepared for a serious,
respectful, long-term discussion of issues that matter to both countries.