Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. on Tuesday announced plans for Mexican President Vicente Fox to visit Utah later this month.

The announcement came just hours after a Mexican newspaper reported Fox had formally requested permission to travel to the United States.

The anticipated May 23-24 visit is planned as the first stop in a tour that will include stops in Seattle and Sacramento.

"This is the first time a Mexican president has visited our great state, and I am honored President Fox has accepted our invitation," Huntsman said. "It is vitally important that we continue to strengthen this relationship with Mexico as Utah's economy becomes more global. The economic, cultural and educational links our state enjoys with Mexico cannot be understated."

The visit is awaiting approval from the Mexican Congress, but Huntsman's spokesman, Mike Mower, said Mexican officials had indicated "approval is eminent" and to move forward with planning.

Fox formally requested the visit Tuesday, saying immigration would be part of the dialogue, according to El Universal newspaper. The paper quoted Fox as saying the visit would help express a need for the dignity of migrants and promote a greater political understanding between the two nations.

The Spanish-language El Universal reported Fox said he will call for reflection "on the challenges and opportunities involved in the migratory phenomenon, and the contribution Mexicans make to the economy and society of these states."

Thousands of mostly Latino protesters have recently taken to the streets in opposition of proposed U.S. House of Representatives legislation to crack down on illegal immigration. Meanwhile, members of the Utah Minuteman Project have said they will protest Fox's visit because of Mexican policies that they say encourage illegal immigration.

Salt Lake Mexican Consul Salvador Jimenez said more details of the visit would be released at a news conference today.

"The purpose of President Fox's visit is to engage in a political dialogue, to visit the Mexican community and to improve economic relations," Jimenez said in a statement. "But the goal is to set the basis for a strong and lasting friendship with the state of Utah."

Huntsman invited Fox to visit Utah when the governor traveled to Mexico City last July.

"I appreciate President Fox's leadership and our friendship, and look forward to visiting with him again," Huntsman said.

Fox's itinerary is still tentative but will include visits with religious, business, community and Hispanic leaders, an address before Utah legislators and a state dinner at the governor's mansion.

Joe Reyna, who was part of last year's delegation to Mexico, said a visit by Fox means Mexico is interested in strengthening ties with Utah.

"It's an indication of more things to come in trade and other areas," Reyna said. "It is a very important day for Utah."

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E-mail: dbulkeley@desnews.com