In a briefing for reporters in Washington, Mr. Noriega says foreign ministers at the meeting are expected to endorse what he calls a "consensus document" on a wide variety of security problems.

"We will consider a document, which has been negotiated over the last several weeks that would be approved by ministers that would identify these new threats, concerns and other challenges," he said. "Among them [are] terrorism, transnational organized crime, the global drug problem, corruption, asset laundering, illicit traffic in weapons and the connections among these activities."

Mr. Noriega says foreign ministers are expected to discuss severe economic problems in the region that are causing chronic poverty, which he says is eroding support for development, and spawning disenchantment with efforts to promote free markets.

Mr. Noriega says these factors have combined to stir popular dissatisfaction and, in some cases, outbursts of violence.

He says the ministers will also discuss confidence and security-building measures that are intended to lower tensions among states.

"We know that peace in the hemisphere is built on the pillars of democracy, prosperity and security," said Mr. Noriega. "Our nations must take steps to defend these essential pillars. We will, in the meeting in Mexico City, be taking commitments to one another as a community to safeguard peace in the hemisphere by building confidence between the peoples of our states, as well as within these states, and by strengthening cooperation among these states to address the threats and new challenges we face."