London - Mexican President Felipe Calderon was given a ceremonial welcome full of pomp and pageantry as he was received by Britain's Queen Elizabeth II in London Monday.

The queen, 82, greeted the Mexican leader and his wife, Margarita Zavala, in bright sunshine at the historic Horseguards Parade ground at the start of a four-day state visit.

The couple will be guests of the queen and stay at Buckingham Palace for the duration of their visit, during which Calderon will also take part in the Group of 20 (G20) summit meeting on Thursday.

Earlier Monday, Calderon had talks with Prime Minister Gordon Brown at his office in Downing Street.

"Mexico's role in global politics continues to deepen. This visit is a timely opportunity for us to strengthen our co-operation on some of the world's biggest challenges," a statement released by Britain's Foreign Office said.

Thousands lined the Mall, the tree-lined avenue between Horseguards Parade and the Palace, as the queen and her guests travelled past in horse-drawn carriages.

At one point, the Mexican president took the queen's black gloved hand to offer her assistance as she stepped from the carriage. (dpa)