September 11, 2003
Mexico & U.S. State Legislatures Establish Working Relationship
2-year pact signed to establish institutional and cultural relations
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The organizations responsible for representing state legislatures before the federal governments of Mexico and the United States today reached an agreement to officially establish ties.
The Conference of Mexican State Legislatures and Legislators (Conferencia Mexicana de Congresos y Legisladores Estatales, or COMCE), established in October of last year, signed an agreement of understanding with the National Conference of State Legislatures in Washington, D.C. today. The two organizations agreed to assist each other in preserving mutual legislative and cultural interests between the countries.
Leaders of both organizations say the agreement, signed two years from the date terrorists attacked Washington, D.C. and New York City, demonstrates an important milestone in foreign relations for both countries.
"Mexico and the United States have long shared important political and cultural interests," said Puebla Legislature President Victor Manuel Giorgana Jiménez, who also serves as COMCE president. "With this new partnership, we enter a new era where the legislative institutions of our respective countries can explore new frontiers of our common concerns and hopes."
The new working relationship is designed for both countries to benefit from the broad knowledge and experiences each country has developed in representing the respective citizens of their countries. The agreement is good for two years, with an option for an additional two-year extension.
"For more than a quarter century, NCSL has encouraged the strengthening of legislative institutions around the world," said Utah House Speaker Marty Stephens, NCSL president. "This historic agreement allows us to share our experiences with our colleagues in Mexico and provides American legislatures with a new perspective on state and federal relations."
Both organizations agreed to formal visits, the sharing of documents and other efforts to further each advance knowledge of how the country's governments and legislatures work. They also agreed to cultural and educational exchanges to promote greater understanding between the people of the two countries.
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