The George Price Center in Belmopan City was the venue on Saturday, June 30, for a state luncheon and the conferral of the Order of Belize on the President of the United States of Mexico, His Excellency Felipe Calderon Hinojosa, who was on a two-day visit to Belize.

President Calderon was greeted upon his arrival by the Prime Minister of Belize, the Right Honorable Said Musa and PUP Leader Emeritus, the Right Honorable George Price. Both Musa and Hinojosa spoke of the mutually good relationship that exists between Belize and Mexico, and pledged to strengthen the ties between the two countries.

After the speeches, the Order of Belize was conferred on President Calderon.

Before that there was a viewing of the photo gallery downstairs and a viewing of the exhibition upstairs.

Earlier in the day President Calderon met with the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Dean Barrow, at the Mexican Embassy in Belmopan City.

There was also a joint press conference at the NEMO training room, which was preceded by a joint business encounter at the Mexican Embassy, at which speeches were given by the Mexican Ambassador, His Excellency Arturo Trejo; Emile Mena, the President of Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and Mario Rendon, the President of the Coordinating Business Council of Quintana Roo.

Upon his arrival in Belmopan City, President Calderon was received by P.M. Musa; His Excellency Salvador Figueroa, Belize's Ambassador to Mexico; and Edith Gahona, Chief of Protocol. The official welcoming ceremonies were held at the foot of the National Assembly building.

President Calderon and the delegation then departed by motorcade for Belize House, where, upon his arrival, President Calderon made a courtesy call on the Governor General, His Excellency Colville Young. He then went to the New Administration Building, where he was received by the Cabinet Secretary, Robert Leslie.

Afterwards there was a private meeting between President Calderon and Prime Minister Musa, then there was a meeting of the two delegations in the Cabinet Room.

President Calderon's visit to Belize began on Friday, June 29. He arrived in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, from Mexico. He was received by Edith Gahona, Elsa Paz, the Mayor of San Pedro and Ambassador Trejo.

President Calderon and his entourage were transported by boat to Victoria House, where he was received by Ambassador Figueroa.

After a lunch that was hosted by P.M. Musa, there was the official opening of the IX Summit of Heads of State and Government for the Mechanism of Dialogue and Harmonization of Tuxla.

During the visit of President Calderon, there was a signing of the Addendum to Agreement between Mexico and Belize to expand the Rio Hondo International Bridge.

President Calderon left Belize on Saturday.