Formal Discussions Initiated Between Mexico and US on Key Issues, States President Sheinbaum

Synopsis

Mexico and the United States have launched formal discussions on key bilateral issues such as immigration and security, according to President Claudia Sheinbaum, following a cordial conversation between the newly appointed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Mexican Foreign Minister Juan Ramon de la Fuente.

Key Takeaways

Mexico and the US are in formal talks on immigration and security.
President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed the discussions began after a call from Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The dialogue was described as cordial and constructive.
US immigration policies impacting Mexico were highlighted.
Rubio outlined immigration as a priority for his department.

Mexico City, Jan 23 (NationPress) - Formal discussions have commenced between Mexico and the United States regarding critical bilateral matters, including immigration and security, as confirmed by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.

The dialogue started on Tuesday following a phone call from the newly appointed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to his Mexican counterpart, Juan Ramon de la Fuente, as reported by the president during her usual morning briefing at the National Palace in Mexico City.

“It was a very pleasant and friendly conversation,” Sheinbaum mentioned. “They discussed immigration and security concerns,” she added, refuting speculation that “there is no communication (between the two governments), as it was formally established yesterday.”

She emphasized that Rubio’s first call as secretary of state was directed to Mexico, highlighting the cordial nature of the conversation relayed to her by the foreign minister.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Rubio detailed his department's priorities, with immigration being the foremost issue, according to Xinhua news agency.

Since his reelection campaign, US President Donald Trump has signaled a stringent approach towards undocumented migrants and drug trafficking. On his first day in office, he enacted several executive orders that directly affect Mexico, including the termination of the CBP One™ Mobile Application program, which allowed migrants to schedule asylum hearings without traveling to the border.

Trump also reinstated an immigration policy from his initial term called “Remain in Mexico,” which requires asylum seekers to remain in Mexico while their cases are processed by US immigration courts.