What you need to know about the AMLO-Pompeo meeting

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Mexican President-elect Andrés Manuel López Obrador have trusted the bilateral relationship that is improving and strengthening with the next government, which will begin on December 1.

This is the message they wanted to convey after the meeting between the US high-level delegation and the López Obrador team, during which the winner of the 1st elections July delivered members of Donald Trump's cabinet. a sort of roadmap with its vision of bilateral relations for years to come.

"We know that there were pitfalls on the road between our two countries but President Trump is determined that the relationship between our peoples is better and stronger," said Pompeo to the left after congratulating him.

"We could have reasonable optimism that Mexico will find bases of understanding to have a better relationship with the United States," Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard told reporters on Tuesday. a press conference.

However, one should see if good intentions become reality and allow the functioning of a relationship between leaders of wholly opposite political origin.

Ebrard stated that the meeting was held in a "very good, I would say excellent" environment and said that the document given to the Americans is a "proposal for bases of understanding" on trade, security , development and migration.

The future Chancellor did not want to give more details on this document until President Trump reviewed it, but he added that it includes "major initiatives" in terms of development and that "nobody in Mexico should not emigrate because of poverty or insecurity "and a proposal for" fruitful dialogue "on security issues.

In fact, the development seems to have been a focal point in the talks because Pompeo, who avoided the qualifiers to evaluate the meeting, pointed out that one of the problems being addressed was the "generation of people". jobs and opportunities in our two nations.
According to Ebrard, some of the most delicate issues have not been addressed, such as the Wall of Borders or the possibility of reaching an agreement where Central American asylum seekers would seek refuge in Mexico instead. than in the United States in exchange for increased support near the north.

In fact, it is difficult for this option to obtain support in Mexico because it would force the country to process tens of thousands of asylum applications, said one official who requested the 39; anonymity because he was not allowed to make statements.

However, Pompeo reiterated the priorities of the Trump administration and left all doors open.

"We want to ensure security across our border, we want to protect our national sovereignty and our communities and that is why we have spoken with respect," he said. Mexico, he added, is a "key ally" of Washington to respond to international challenges, including those of the North American triangle (Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador), and a way to fight corruption and corruption. create jobs. a better economy in these countries, the United States and Mexico. "

What the American pointed out to the leftists, it is the courage of such a high delegation to visit him. "He has four of the highest (cabinet) leaders here after his election," he said, referring to him, the White House advisor and president's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, who played a key role He has relations with Mexico, notably because of his close ties with Videgaray, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, and Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen. "We wanted to come and let you know that President Trump is very interested in the success of relations between our countries," he added.

Prior to the meeting with López Obrador, the US delegation was with President Enrique Peña Nieto, who asked Pompeo to speed up the reunification of separated families at the border and stressed "the need to find a permanent alternative give priority to the well-being and rights of minors, "said the presidency in a statement. Peña Nieto also showed concern over events that "fuel a climate of hate and racism" as the attack on a 92-year-old Mexican citizen in California.

The Americans also met with Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray.

Relations between Mexico and the United States have deteriorated considerably since the beginning of the Trump government, which has hardened its policy and its discourse towards migrants and repeatedly blamed Mexico for the economic and social problems of the states -United.

In fact, the treatment of migrants is what has hurt the most Mexican society and that is why, Friday afternoon, a handful of protesters were waiting for the arrival of Americans outside the countryside election of López Obrador. with posters that read "Stop Trump" or "Where are our kids" and screams in English "Racists, cowards", "Deported but not forgotten".

In addition to migration, recently imposed tariffs have further complicated the already complicated negotiations for the renewal of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and sparked fears of a trade war total.

This question was another of the issues discussed at all Friday meetings and, as explained by the future Mexican Foreign Minister, the Americans accepted that Lopez Obrador's transitional team participate in any new meeting that will take place. part of the renegotiation of NAFTA.

The day seemed to confirm what had already been seen as a trend since the overwhelming victory of López Obrador: that tensions with Washington be relaxed, at least in tone, and that the current administration is ready to guarantee smooth transition that, according to Videgaray, will make a "common front for Mexico".

However, beyond the good words, the changes approaching in Mexico could destabilize relations if both the White House leader and the Mexican president choose to appeal to their bases, which are at the opposite extreme of the political spectrum .

Lopez Obrador has already announced that he would cancel a purchase of eight million US combat helicopters as part of his austerity plan and that the legislative elections of November could lead Trump to return to his racist rhetoric and insult Mexico. 19659023] [ad_2]
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