Mexico champions relations with US after Blinken’s visit

By Jorge Antonio Rocha

MEXICO CITY (AA) - US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met Monday with Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador to discuss issues of mutual interest between their countries following the High-Level Economic Dialogue (HLED) Second Annual Meeting in Mexico City.

Through his Twitter account, Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard celebrated the meeting, which he described as a success.

"They came to invite us to boost (production of) semiconductors. They have already authorized a program of more or less $50 billion. They've invited us to participate. Those are thousands of jobs. It is a big door opening for Mexico, for development, economic growth,” said Ebrard.

In addition, he said the US has invited its southern neighbor for joint investments in the automotive sector and to develop 5G telecommunications technology in Mexico.

"In short, they invited Mexico to participate in multi-billion dollar investments. We are very grateful to President (Joe) Biden. It has been a success, and we are very pleased," he added.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs shared the recent agreements reached between the two governments in migration, sustainability and economic development through a joint statement.

As part of the mutual plan, both nations committed to addressing climate change through investment, where Mexico joined in the goal to destine 50% of its vehicle production to zero-emission cars by 2030 and lower combustion and methane emissions.

In addition, within Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which allocates $3.4 billion in 26 infrastructure projects, Mexico pledged to allocate $1.5 billion in border infrastructure in the following two years.

For its part, the US Agency for International Development (USAID) is currently working in agriculture and sustainability programs to increase the quality of life of people in southern Mexico and Central America to curb migration flows to the US.

First established in 2013, the bilateral economic, social and commercial strategy was relaunched between Lopez Obrador and his US counterpart in 2021, which looks to spur economic growth in the North American region.

The first meeting was held in September 2021 at its relaunch. The program aims to face the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, promote inclusive trade and investment, and strengthen regional supply chains.