New Zealand Prime Minister John Key has arrived in Mexico to begin his 10-day tour of Latin America.
Mr Key and a 22-strong business delegation will also visit Colombia, Chile and Brazil.
He will be formally welcomed by newly-elected Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto at the Chapultepec Castle in Mexico City on Tuesday.
The leaders will hold talks for about 45 minutes, make a joint statement before attending a state luncheon.
Mr Pena Nieto is keen to boost Mexico's relationships with others around the Pacific Rim and sees New Zealand as a strategic ally in the region.
During his trip, Mr Key will lobby the South American leaders to support New Zealand's bid for a seat on the United Nations Security Council as it is a very important voting bloc.
Mr Key said Latin America is one of the fastest-growing and most dynamic regions in the world and New Zealand wants to capitalise on trade opportunities.
