MEXICO CITY – Mexican President Felipe Calderon on Monday asked visiting U.S. Vice President Joseph Biden that Washington do more to aid Mexico’s battle with drug cartels by taking steps to curb arms trafficking and money laundering.

The two men renewed their nations’ mutual commitment to increase bilateral cooperation in all areas, including in the fight against transnational organized crime, according to a communique from Calderon’s office.

The Mexican leader reiterated the “priority need” for the U.S. government to strength its activities against weapons trafficking to Mexico and money laundering, after acknowledging that the Barack Obama administration had adopted certain measures to do just that.

Over the past several weeks, Calderon has been insistent on this issue, saying that ending “inhumane weapons trafficking” and the flow of “exorbitant” quantities of money into his country can help to reduce violence in Mexico.

Since December 2006, when Calderon took office, conflict among rival drug cartels and between criminals and security forces has claimed more than 47,500 lives, according to official figures, while media tallies put the death toll at over 50,000.

The Mexican president, whose six-year term ends in December, explained to Biden the actions adopted by his government to strengthen the security and justice institutions.

According to the communique issued by Calderon’s office, Biden reiterated the U.S. commitment to “deepen the strategic association with Mexico” and emphasized the importance of frequent meetings among top level officials to discuss all issues on the bilateral agenda. EFE