Mar. 24, 2005
Trilateral Accord Enhances Security and Prosperity for North America

On March 23, 2005, a one-day summit between U.S. President George W. Bush, Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin, and Mexican President Vicente Fox established a sweeping, trilateral plan to increase the security, prosperity, and quality of life for the citizens of the participating countries. Called the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America, the accord calls for close cooperation between the three countries in the three aforementioned areas.

On the security front, the main focus will be on developing a North American traveler and cargo security strategy with compatible screening practices; developing enhanced security strategies for protecting maritime transportation, ports, and aviation and for combating transnational threats; improving cooperation on intelligence-gathering; and protecting critical infrastructure such as bridges.

In the area of prosperity, the emphasis will be on enhancing the competitive position of North American industries and providing greater economic opportunities for North Americans. Some of the key initiatives include improving regulatory compatibility and cooperation; promoting greater cooperation in business sectors such as automotive and steel; increasing reliable energy supplies and improving delivery systems; and enhancing North’s America’s transportation system.

Joint initiatives to increase the quality of life for North Americans include addressing environmental issues such as air quality, water quality, invasive species, biodiversity, and ocean stewardship; creating a safer food supply while facilitating agricultural trade; and better coordinating surveillance of infectious diseases.

Ministerial-led working groups are being set up that will consult with stakeholders in each country, establish priorities and achievable goals, and draft an initial report, which is expected within 90 days. Subsequently the groups will report twice per year.