Obama, Calderon strike accord on energy

MEXICO CITY, April 16 (UPI) -- The U.S. and Mexican presidents Thursday discussed more cross-border efforts to address global warming and economic competitiveness.

U.S. President Barack Obama and Mexican President Felipe Calderon met a day ahead of the Summit of the Americas that begins Friday in Trinidad and Tobago.

Calderon highlighted points in the two efforts, such as goals for carbon emissions and creating green jobs, agreeing that "we must act very soon to fight against climate change."

A clean energy future "is a priority for the United States and I know it's a priority for President Calderon," Obama said, adding that the two countries are establishing a bilateral framework on clean energy and climate change.

Through the U.S.-Mexico Bilateral Framework on Clean Energy and Climate Change, the two leaders agreed on the importance of promoting clean energy, combating climate change and the value collaborating to reach these goals. The framework also will allow for political and technical cooperation and information exchanges.

Among other things, the framework will focus on renewable energy, energy efficiency, adaptation, market mechanisms, green jobs, and low carbon energy technology development and capacity-building, the White House said in a news release.

Calderon also said he and Obama discussed cooperative economic efforts, strengthening border infrastructure and increasing cooperation in customs "so we have a more efficient trade."

"We don't have to compete among ourselves," Calderon said, "but compete as partners" in other parts of the world.