Here’s how the international press looks at the first AMLO – Biden meeting

This Monday afternoon is scheduled the first meeting – virtual due to the context of COVID-19 – between the President of Mexico, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, and his American counterpart, Joe Biden. The Mexican has already confirmed what is practically obvious: The priority topics to be discussed will be immigration, the pandemic and the economy, with reference to the T-MEC (trade agreement that the two countries have with Canada).

And just before the event, the main foreign press media have this Monday on their covers the question with the forecasts that they, analyst consultants and American officials, have on the results of this meeting.

For example, him New York Times this, citing a senior US official, indicates that Joe Biden should discuss the coronavirus crisis; crack down on drug trafficking; and collaborate on economic opportunities “with one of Washington’s greatest trading partners.”

The newspaper therefore places López Obrador as a fundamental partner of its northern neighbor in reversing the border policy of former President Donald Trump and being able to make immigration reform a centerpiece of its program.

“In López Obrador, however, the new (American) president is not dealing with another relieved world leader keen to rebuild relations and leave behind his abrasive predecessor.”, prevents publication.

However, following statements by the government source who requested anonymity, the media claim that Biden will not ask for specific actions because Mexico is a sovereign nation.

They also point out that on the demand made by AMLO that he will make with his peers to reinstate the bracero program – which has given Mexicans and Central Americans legal work – they don’t know how Biden will respond because “he would need the help from Congress to expand visas for these employees. Temporary, ”they detailed.

On this subject, he spoke with Infobae, in the framework of the American presidential election, the former American ambassador to Mexico, Anthony Wayne, stressing that the work on migration, at least on the American side, foresees the creation of “A legal rotating work program”, which will include citizens of Mexico and the Northern Triangle – Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador – They will work in the United States for estimated durations, returning home at the end of established periods and with the option of returning in subsequent years.

“Not only (it will be) for agricultural jobs,” the former ambassador explained, “but in many other areas where there is a labor shortage (…) The United States is going to work. very difficult. to be more human and more respectful of the rights of immigrants and I believe they will urge Mexico to work together to find that end ”.

Los Angeles Times is another outlet that alludes to the issue on its coverage of March 1. They also agree that migration, COVID-19 and cooperation on economic and national security issues will be the issues for debate.

Precisely from the bracero-style agenda, they also cite a senior US official who declined to say whether Biden would support or oppose López Obrador’s proposal, “and only said the two countries agreed on the need to expand legal channels for migration “.

On the other hand, they point out that this source pointed out that this meeting would allow President Joe Biden to begin to institutionalize the relationship with Mexico “Instead of letting it be determined by tweets, former President Trump’s preferred form of diplomacy.”

Regarding the North American trade deal, the newspaper notes that it could complicate President López Obrador’s efforts to withdraw funds and eliminate independent regulatory, oversight and transparency agencies in Mexico.

“Too One wonders if López Obrador will welcome Biden’s efforts to tackle climate change and switch to cleaner sources of energy. The Mexican president supports a measure aimed at ensuring that his country’s national networks prioritize energy from government plants, many of which burn coal or fuel oil, ”the text warns.

On the issue of immigration, they point to the actions Biden has already taken on behalf of immigrants who had previously arrived illegally in the country, recalling his bill granting legal status and a path to citizenship for the few. 11 million people in the country. who don’t have it.

On the other hand, the newspaper The Washington Post, only recorded this Monday the priority that the issue of migration and the strategy to fight the COVID-19 pandemic will have in the virtual meeting.

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