SEC. MIKE JOHANNS: "Let me offer just a thought or two if I could. To the gentlemen to my left, thank you so very much for your hospitality. I have been to Mexico before, and so I look forward to coming back many times during my time as Secretary of Agriculture.

"I'm also very pleased today to sign this Partnership Agreement on Rural Development with the Mexican government. This agreement will build upon the existing capacity of Mexico's embassy and consuls and the United States and will serve as a very important effort in terms outreach. We consider this agreement very important.

"We are hopeful that the partnership will greatly assist with some nation's information about potential eligibility for USDA Rural Development programs. This Partnership Initiative is an example of how USDA is expanding its collaboration with Mexico in new areas, providing a valuable service to the millions of Mexicans and Mexican-Americans that reside in our country.

"In addition to this agreement covering programs in the United States, USDA is committed to helping Rural Development in Mexico. We look forward to working with your government to see how we can assist in improving conditions in rural Mexico that have been the source of tension and we believe that we can bring some very, very positive things to this effort.

"We need to work together to ensure that our agricultural communities understand the benefits of this relationship and of working together. We are excited about that opportunity, we're excited about those possibilities, and we believe that we can bring great success as a result of this agreement.

"So again, gentlemen, thank you very, very much for your hospitality. Let me extend to you an invitation to our country, although you are always welcome there, and I look forward to working with you both."