8:05pm UK, Thursday April 16, 2009
In his second big trip overseas since becoming US president, Barack Obama has arrived in Mexico in a show of support for the government's anti-drugs effort.
Federal police patrol in Mexico City where Obama is meeting Calderon
Mr Obama, who made his first foray onto the international stage in Europe earlier this month, will discuss energy and the economy with President Felipe Calderon in Mexico City.
White House officials have played up the symbolism of his Mexico visit, which is struggling to contain unprecedented criminal violence and combat a drugs war that is spilling over into the US.
Denis McDonough, of the National Security Council, said the President's visit underscores America's support for its southern neighbour at the highest levels.
Sky's Adam Boulton on Obama's trip
"It's designed to send a very clear signal to our friends in Mexico City that we have a series of shared challenges as it relates to the economy, as it relates to security, insecurity, the threat of violence, and the impact of drug trafficking on both our countries," he said.
Soldiers watch 14 tons of drugs burn
The Obama administration is tightening its border with Mexico to prevent trafficking of American guns to Mexican cartels.
It also plans to send Black Hawk helicopters to help the Mexican president defeat the well-armed drug gangs that killed thousands last year.
Mr Obama wants to improve relations with Mexico and other Latin American countries during his trip after a deterioration in relations his advisers blame on his predecessor.
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has paved the way, acknowledging that the violence in Mexico stems partly from America's "insatiable demand" for drugs.
The US president is also meeting Mexican legislators during his visit and before heading to Trinidad and Tobago for the fifth Summit of the Americas.