Leaders of the United States, Mexico, and Canada, known as "the three amigos," are meeting in Mexico to discuss trade issues and the threat of drug gangs. President Barack Obama, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, and Mexican President Felipe Calderon will have dinner on Sunday night followed by discussions on Monday. The main topics of discussion include boosting their economies, ensuring smooth trade, and addressing the issue of Mexican drug gangs operating across borders. While major agreements are not expected, the summit will serve as a step towards future agreements. Obama may face pressure from Calderon to resolve a cross-border trucking dispute. According to the North American Free Trade Agreement, Mexican trucks are allowed to enter the United States, but American trucking companies claim they are not safe. This issue has been ongoing for years, leading to Mexico imposing retaliatory tariffs on $2.4 billion worth of U.S. goods in March. The dispute escalated when Obama cancelled a program allowing Mexican trucks to operate beyond the U.S. border zone. U.S. business groups have been urging the White House to resolve the conflict, warning that the ban could result in the loss of thousands of American jobs. Mexico's ambassador to the United States, Arturo Sarukhan, expressed the need for a final resolution to the trucking issue. He expressed his desire for an agreement to be reached by the end of the year. A high-ranking official from the White House, Michael Froman, informed reporters that the Obama administration is heavily focused on the matter and is collaborating with the U.S. Congress to address safety concerns. Canadian officials are anticipated to express their worries regarding the "Buy American" components of a $787 billion economic stimulus bill, which they fear could exclude Canadian companies from U.S. construction contracts funded by the stimulus. Canada is the largest trading partner of the United States. Froman stated that the Obama administration is in discussions with Canada and other countries to implement the "Buy American" provision in a manner that aligns with the law and international obligations, while minimizing disruptions to trade. Obama addressed concerns about potentially reopening the NAFTA treaty during his trip, stating that it is not the right time to add enforceable labor and environmental protections due to the weakened economies of the nations involved. He expressed interest in improving the treaty but emphasized that the focus is currently on the difficult economic situation. Another key issue at the summit is how to address the escalating violence caused by Mexican drug gangs, despite President Calderon's efforts to combat them. The death rate from the violence has increased significantly compared to the previous year, with Mexican traffickers being blamed for crimes in the United States and Canada. Obama is supporting Calderon's actions, stating that he is commendable for his courage in going after drug traffickers. Obama has pledged his full support to Calderon, but Mexico is frustrated with the slow arrival of anti-drug equipment and training. The leaders plan to discuss the H1N1 swine flu and climate change at the summit in preparation for the international talks in Copenhagen in December.