Obama’s first North American summit aims at swine flu plan, but headway elsewhere proves tough

Obama, leaders of Mexico, Canada vow cooperation

GUADALAJARA, Mexico —President Barack Obama on Monday joined the leaders of Mexico and Canada in pledging a united effort on economic recovery, trade, swine flu and climate change.

A statement from the leaders said their nations offered a “joint, responsible and transparent” response to the spreading swine flu threat.

They spoke at the end of a swift North American Leaders’ Summit, an annual gathering launched during George W. Bush’s presidency. The gathering typically yields fresh promises of coordination on many issues but no breakthroughs or initiatives.

Obama joined Mexican President Felipe Calderon and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper for a news conference after about two hours of talks. The president had arrived Sunday night and was spending less than 24 hours in Mexico.