Washington: After hosting Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, US President Barack Obama will host the second state dinner of his presidency for his Mexican counterpart Felipe Calderon in recognition of their "deep ties and strong relationship".
"In recognition of the deep ties and strong relationship that President Obama has forged with Mexican President Felipe Calderon, President Obama and the First Lady will host President Calderon and the Mexican First Lady at the White House for a state dinner on May 19," White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said.
The dinner will take place during President Calderon's official visit here. Obama and Calderon will also discuss a wide range of issues, including economic competitiveness, growing security cooperation, clean energy opportunities and immigration, Gibbs said.
US first lady Michelle Obama, who met her Mexican counterpart Margarita Zavala de Calderon at the White House last month, is making her first official solo trip to Mexico City from April 13 to 15.
The first lady's office declined to release the size of the guest list or any other details of the event – although the White House announced changes in security procedures months ago to prevent any repeat of the party crashers who marred November's dinner for India's prime minister, The Washington Post said.
The May 19 black-tie party will be the first for new social secretary Julianna Smoot, who's taking over for Desiree Rogers next week, it said.
The last state dinner for Mexico was held for president Vicente Fox and his new bride Marta on September 05, 2001.
The first state Dinner of Obama's presidency was hosted in honour of the Indian Prime Minister on November 24, which is known for the gate-crashing of a Virginia couple - the Salahis.
PTI
First Published: Friday, March 19, 2010, 13:24