MEXICO CITY (AP) -- California Gov. Gray Davis promised to usher in a
                  new era of warm cross-border relations with his state's southern neighbor as
                  he embarked on a whirlwind series of meetings with Mexican officials.

                  Increasing exports to Mexico was at the heart of his mission in this capital
                  city, and Davis said fostering a new cooperative climate would achieve that
                  goal.

                  "That is really the purpose of my trip: to show respect for Mexico, to
                  establish a new beginning and hopefully advance the cause of both our
                  peoples," Davis said at a news conference Monday.

                  "The days of shouting, finger-pointing and assessing blame are over," Davis
                  said. "Today we begin a new relationship, a new compact. We are ready
                  and eager to build for the future together _ juntos -- together."

                  Davis planned a series of meetings with Mexican government officials today,
                  including President Ernesto Zedillo and the education and commerce
                  secretaries.

                  California exports to Mexico surged past Japan to become the No. 1
                  importer of California goods in the third quarter of last year. The Golden
                  State shipped $12 billion worth of goods to Mexico in 1997.

                  Davis contrasted his administration to the atmosphere of distrust he said was
                  created by his predecessor, Republican Pete Wilson, who railed against
                  illegal immigration and affirmative action.

                  Wilson is a household name in the Mexican capital, whose metropolitan-area
                  population of 18 million dwarfs even Los Angeles. Cab driver Marcelo Islas
                  said he had never heard of Davis, but when asked about Wilson, he was
                  quick to respond: "Ah, 187."

                  Proposition 187, the anti-illegal immigration measure Wilson successfully
                  promoted in 1994, is known here as "Wilson's law."

                  Islas' anger toward Wilson, who left office last month and is considering a
                  White House run, seems to be a common attitude.

                  But, in a positive sign for Davis, Islas said he was open to hearing the new
                  governor's policies. "We don't assume that one leader reflects an entire
                  people," Islas said in Spanish.

                  Copyright 1999 The Associated Press.