Calderon welcomed the queen at a ceremony in Mexico's National Palace, where he will host a dinner in her honor.

The queen arrived just before midday for a trip that will include meetings with Mexico City Mayor Marcelo Ebrard, according to a schedule released by the Dutch embassy here.

Queen Beatrix is also scheduled to visit Mexico City's famous National Museum of Anthropology and participate in a meeting on energy.

The royal will spend the last two days of the trip visiting the Mexican states of Guanajuato and Hidalgo.

In her toast during the state banquet the Queen praised the president and his government to tackle the crisis, which the SMEs are supported. "A strong and prosperous middle class constitutes the backbone of a democratic society." Beatrix also expressed words of appreciation for tackling crime.

The queen is accompanied by Willem-Alexander, Prince of Orange, and his wife Princess Maxima.

"The present time calls for hope and change," said Beatrix.

The Queen began her speech to the General States about the global economic crisis instantly that the the Netherlands has been hit hard. "The speed of events was extreme" said Beatrix.

People are losing their jobs, the number of bankruptcies is increasing and the public finances show large deficits. The impact will be felt for a long time, the queen said, "but the government will not pass the bill on to future generations."

In 2010, the deficit increased to six percent of gross domestic product.

One of the ways to cover the shortfall will be to increase taxes.

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