The unanimous vote of the United Nations Security Council on Iraq had sent "a strong message", the President of Mexico, Mr Vicente Fox, said in Dublin yesterday.
Speaking at a joint news conference with the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, Mr Fox said he hoped a peaceful solution to the crisis was possible.
"It all depends on the position of Iraq and the work of the inspectors that are going to Iraq, in their future report."
The Security Council was doing the job for which it was created, namely, looking for solutions to conflict, he said.
"Up to now, in this first stage of the process, things are going in that direction."
Speaking ahead of the announcement that Baghdad was willing to comply with the resolution, he said Iraq should accept the visit of the arms inspectors openly.
"All of this will come back to the Security Council." (Like Ireland, Mexico is an elected member of the council and both were actively involved in the discussions before the vote.)
Mr Ahern is to visit Mexico in January, accompanied by a business delegation.
The Minister for Agriculture, Mr Walsh, also attended the news conference.
His Irish schedule included meetings with President McAleese and the Taoiseach, and a dinner hosted by the Tánaiste, Ms Harney; a wreath-laying ceremony at the Garden of Remembrance; a lecture on Mexican politics, delivered at Trinity College Dublin; and the unveiling of a sculpture by the Mexican artist, Sebastian, on Sandymount seafront.
He left for Paris last night.