By EFE
Sep 21, 2024, 1:32 PM EDT
In the framework of a binational celebration for the independence of the United States and Mexico, representatives of both countries reaffirmed their commitment to bilateral cooperation and highlighted the shared challenges in matters of security, migration and trade, in view of the entry of the new president, Claudia Sheinbaum, on October 1.
During the event, the United States ambassador to Mexico, Ken Salazar, was present and reaffirmed his country’s support for the new president of Mexico.
“Look, here in Mexico, it seems to me, there are 11 days left until the first woman in North America becomes president of Mexico. I think it is time for women to take leadership positions,” she said.
The celebration took place in Ciudad Juárez, in northern Mexico, where officials from both sides of the border highlighted the high level of trade that flows between the border city and El Paso, Texas, one of the busiest binational corridors along the entire border between the two countries.
“Last year, 961,000 trucks crossed the international bridges in the El Paso sector and this year, 811,000 have already crossed. Also last year, 14.3 million passenger vehicles crossed and this year, 11.5 million have already crossed,” said Rafael Foley, U.S. Consul in Ciudad Juárez.
In addition to trade, migration was a central theme in the talks, with both governments recognizing the impact that the migration phenomenon has had on their respective nations. “We also know that migration has affected Paso, Juárez, the United States and Mexico, and for the first time in the history of North America, we know that we are going to address the causes. We are aligned on that,” Foley added.
Authorities from both countries agreed that, despite the challenges, the relationship between Mexico and the United States is solid and will continue to strengthen under the leadership of the new Mexican president, who has expressed her willingness to work closely with Washington to address the most urgent issues on the bilateral agenda.
“I want to tell you a little about this space and to brag a little about the great consular team we have here in Ciudad Juárez. It is a team that last year processed 65,000 resident visas. These are 65,000 Mexicans who have emigrated to the United States and who have continued with their lives thanks to the work done in this consulate. It is the largest volume of resident immigrant visas in the world,” said Ken Salazar.
The celebration concluded with a call to continue building a relationship of trust and collaboration between the two countries. Both Salazar and the Mexican representatives agreed that, despite the challenges, the ties between the United States and Mexico are fundamental to the development and stability of the region.
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