Golda Meir on State Visit in Mexico; is Honored by Government

Practically every sector of Mexican life, governmental, Jewish communal and general press, is participating toward making the state visit here of Mrs. Golda Meir, Israel’s Foreign Minister, a brilliant success.

Mrs. Meir was met at the International Airport here, upon her arrival from Chile, by Foreign Minister Manuel Tello. She visited Mr. Tello at the Foreign Ministry, then paid a formal visit on President Adolfo Lopez Mateos. She presented to the President an 18th Century, silver, ethrog cup, and gave the Foreign Minister an oil painting by an Israeli artist, Anna Schicho. Later, she placed a wreath at the foot of the Monument to Mexican Independence. She was accompanied on her official visits by Israel’s Ambassador here, Gen. David Shaltiel.

A special session was held here today in honor of Mrs. Meir by the Joint Permanent Commission of the Mexican Senate and Chamber of Deputies. The Commission is Parliament’s continuation group during a period when Parliament is not in session. A special gala reception was also given for Mrs. Meir in the salon of the Foreign Ministry, where the guests included members of the Mexican Cabinet and the diplomatic corps.

Special audiences were given for Mrs. Meir by the Ministers of Labor and Education, where Mrs. Meir discussed with the respective Ministers the labor and educational legislation and practices in Israel.

Meanwhile, at the Foreign Ministry, a cultural agreement was signed today between Israel and Mexico. Under the pact, exchanges are provided for students, lecturers and university professors from each of the countries. Special stipends will be granted, under the agreement, to Mexican students who will study in Israel, and to Israeli students who will pursue their studies in this country. Foreign Minister Tello signed the agreement on behalf of Mexico, while Mrs. Meir signed for Israel.