Secretary of Communications and Transportation Juan Molinar Horcasitas and U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood met on Monday in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico to discuss the broad range of transportation issues of fundamental economic interest to both countries.

During the meeting, both officials agreed on the importance of cooperating in areas of mutual interest to ensure the safety, reliability, efficiency and sustainability of the two transportation systems.

The Secretaries reviewed the status of motor carrier issues of mutual importance to the United States and Mexico, and confirmed their intent to resolve these issues as a highest priority. In particular, the countries will establish a working group to consider next steps of the cross-border trucking program.

Secretary Molinar and Secretary LaHood also shared perspectives on a broad range of aviation safety issues. They agreed to continue their long-standing aviation cooperation, which provides safety, efficiency and environmental benefits to North American travelers and to the citizens of both countries.

The Secretaries recognized the critical role of border region transportation infrastructure projects in sustaining a mutually important trade relationship. They reviewed the status of existing and prospective rail and highway projects in the border region and reaffirmed their commitment to work closely together with other border stakeholders to ensure coordinated transportation planning.

Coming out of this meeting, the Secretaries committed to establishing processes to increase bilateral transportation cooperation, recognizing that these efforts stimulate economic growth and improve the quality of life for their citizens.