Huntsman, in his monthly televised KUED news conference Thursday, said U.S. federal and state leaders need to take the initiative to build good relations with Mexico and Latin America because it's in the country's best interest for the future.

"Once we solve the immigration issue and get new laws on the books, we have an extremely important relationship to manage, and we can all play a part as states," he said.

Utah and Mexico's relationship is developing on several levels, from business to education, and Fox's 24-hour visit to the Salt Lake City area this week was proof. The Beehive State was part of Fox's four-day tour that also included Washington and California. Huntsman extended an invitation to Fox to come to Utah during the governor's visit to Mexico City in July 2005.

"The fact that President Fox decided to make Utah an overnight destination means that we have a relationship that matters," he said. "It says something about our stature, our relevance, our increasing competitiveness and the international focus that has been put on our state."

Even though Fox leaves office in December due to term limits, Huntsman said the connections made between Utah and Mexican leaders during Fox's visit are important, and he plans to continue similar talks with the next president. The Mexican presidential election to chose Fox's successor is July 2.

While Fox - the first Mexican president to visit Utah - was in town, Huntsman said the top topics were trade and education.

The two leaders discussed plans for a trade mission to Monterrey, Mexico, in October. Huntsman said he might attend and maybe meet with Mexico's president-elect. There was a Utah trade mission to Mexico in April.

The trade mission likely will focus on automotive parts, aerospace, medical and biotechnology devices and equipment, information technology and tourism, Huntsman said.

As for education, Huntsman said he and Fox talked about developing student and teacher exchange programs as well as universities working together. A news release from the Mexican Consulate in Salt Lake City said Fox and Huntsman discussed an agreement to contract Mexican teachers to work in public schools and "possible expansion to other sectors."

"As far as I'm concerned, we were able to accomplish every substantive item that I had on the agenda in terms of promoting Utah's interests with Mexico," Huntsman said.

jsanchez@sltrib.com