MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Mrs. Kirchner promises full support for Mexico's Mercosur bid

Sen. Mrs. Kirchner with Pte. F. Calderon

Visiting Argentine First Lady Senator Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner promised full support for Mexico's incorporation bid to the South American customs union group, Mercosur during a meeting this week with leaders in the Mexican Senate.

Mexico "can count with full support from Argentina; we will go as far as Mexico wishes to facilitate its full incorporation to Mercosur", said Mrs. Kirchner who is tipped to be the ruling administration's candidate for next October's presidential election. Mexico is currently a Mercosur "observer", and has excellent relations with all founding members, Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay, but is distanced from the group's latest member Venezuela. Relations between both countries have been downgraded following President Hugo Chavez meddling in Mexican politics. First Lady Cristina in her four days visit has received head of state visit treatment by Mexican authorities and this Wednesday is scheduled to meet with President Felipe Calderon. According to Argentine sources Mrs. Kirchner's international showing (she has already done similar visits to United States, France, Ecuador and Venezuela) is part of the campaign to promote her October presidential candidacy. Foreign Affairs minister Jorge Taiana who is part of the official delegation is scheduled to sign this Wednesday a Strategic Association agreement with Argentina which contemplates the reduction of tariffs for 10.000 bilateral trade products.