Biden, Mexican president discuss fentanyl, migrant crisis

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - US President Joe Biden and his Mexican counterpart, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, discussed Friday the flow of illicit fentanyl, and an ongoing surge in migrants along their shared border.

"Nothing is beyond our reach. In my view, I really mean, Mexico and the United States stand together and work together," Biden said as he hosted the Mexican leader on the sidelines of the ongoing Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation in northern California.

"We are working side by side to combat arms trafficking, to tackle organized crime, and to address the opioid epidemic, including fentanyl which I, when we talk privately, want to tell you about my great conversation with Xi Jinping on that issue," Biden added in brief remarks before reporters.

He was referring to the Chinese president whom he met Wednesday for closed-door discussions aimed at improving US-Sino ties.

Lopez Obrador hailed the ties between Washington and Mexico City, saying they are "excellent," but have room for improvement, particularly on migration.

"Our people, our friends, this is a respectful and cooperative relationship for development. In recent years, basically due to this great relationship we have with our neighboring and brother country, we are commercial partners, we are the main trade partners in the world, which is outstanding," the Mexican leader said.

"Of course, further progress needs to be made to address the migratory phenomenon. We're working on that jointly in coordination. We wish to thank President Biden because he is the first president in recent times in opening legal pathways for migration," added Lopez Obrador.