Leaders from 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 start with a dinner on Sunday followed by talks on Monday. The main focus is on boosting their economies, maintaining smooth trade, and addressing the issue of Mexican drug gangs operating across the US border and into Canada. While major agreements are not expected to be announced, Obama may face pressure from Calderon to resolve a cross-border trucking dispute during the summit. According to the North American Free Trade Agreement, Mexican trucks should be allowed to enter the United States, but American trucking companies argue that Mexican trucks are not safe. This issue has been ongoing for several years. In response to the cancellation of a program allowing Mexican trucks to operate outside the U.S. border zone, Mexico imposed tariffs of $2.4 billion on US goods in March. US business groups have been urging the White House to resolve the dispute, as they believe the ban could result in the loss of thousands of American jobs. Mexico's ambassador to the United States, Arturo Sarukhan, stated that they are seeking a final resolution to the trucking issue. He mentioned that he wants to see an agreement reached by the end of the year. According to a top official at the White House, Michael Froman, the Obama administration is concentrating on the issue and collaborating with the US Congress to address safety concerns. Canadian officials are expected to express their worries about the "Buy American" parts of a $787 billion economic stimulus bill that they believe could exclude Canadian companies from US construction contracts financed by the stimulus. Canada is the United States' biggest trading partner. Froman mentioned that the Obama administration is in discussions with Canada and other countries to find a way to implement the 'Buy American' provision in a manner that complies with the law and international obligations, while also minimizing disruption to trade. Obama addressed concerns about potentially reopening NAFTA, stating that given the economic difficulties facing the three nations involved, now is not the time to introduce additional labor and environmental protections as some in his party have suggested. Although he expressed interest in improving the treaty, he emphasized that the focus should be on the current economic situation. Another key issue at the summit is the escalating violence caused by Mexican drug gangs, despite President Calderon's efforts to combat them. The death rate from this violence has increased significantly compared to previous years, with authorities attributing the rise in crime to the Mexican traffickers. Obama is supporting Calderon's actions against drug cartels, commending his courage and promising full support during a visit in April. Mexico is frustrated with the slow delivery of anti-drug equipment and training, hoping the summit will speed up the process. The leaders will also address H1N1 swine flu and climate change as they prepare for international talks in Copenhagen in December.