A group of Arizona mayors are in Mexico this week as part of a trade mission aimed at opening up commerce.

But the real goal may be to foster trust and understanding between the cities and the nation as they try to put the SB1070 era behind them.

Mesa Mayor John Giles is one of six who traveled to Mexico City. He said it’s part business, part culture and part diplomacy.

“They’re a great trading partner, but there are also a lot of opportunities for cultural exchanges. Really, I think it’s important that we talk to one another and communicate so we can dispel rumors out there that Arizona might be less than welcoming when it comes to trading with Mexico,” he said.

Other mayors who made the trip are Surprise’s Sharon Wolcott, Jonathan Rothschild of Tucson, Nogales’ John Doyle, Douglas Nicholls of Yuma and Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton.

This is Stanton’s 13th trip to Mexico since taking office four years ago.