PHOENIX -- Mexican President Vicente Fox met privately on Tuesday in Phoenix with Arizona officials.

The meeting came as Fox opened a three-day visit to the Southwest, which also will include stops in New Mexico and Texas.

Fox is seeking to expand trade relations and push opportunities for Mexican workers.

Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard was among those meeting with Fox. He said the focus of his conversations would be better cooperation between Arizona and Mexican authorities in the pursuit of criminal suspects.

Among those traveling with Fox is his wife, Marta. She said she is focused on ensuring that the rights of women and children who cross the border into the United States are protected. She plans to push for education and health care of immigrants.

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