The leading United States official in the anti-drugs war, Barry MacCaffrey, is in Mexico for talks with Mexican officials.

On his arrival late Sunday, MacCaffrey called for mutual respect for each country's attempts to fight drug trafficking, and praised Mexico's efforts.

MacCaffrey's visit comes after tension between the two countries over "Operation Casablanca", a United States undercover drugs operation during which, according to Mexican officials, United States' agents operated illegally in Mexico.