Clinton discusses battling drug violence, organized crime with Mexican foreign minister

Clinton discusses fight against drugs with Mexico

NEW YORK — U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Mexican Foreign Minister Patricia Espinosa have vowed to “keep strengthening” cooperation in the fight against drug violence and organized crime that spills across their countries’ common border.

The leaders talked Saturday about ways to battle government and police corruption and bolster anti-drug operations given ever-increasing border violence, according to a statement from Mexico’s United Nations delegation.

They also discussed the Merida Initiative, a three-year, $1.4 billion U.S. program to train and equip Mexican and Central American authorities facing ruthless cartels that move drugs through the region and into the U.S.

Espinosa and Clinton met on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly.