US Mexico Dispute

By Enrique Peña Nieto

 

Both Mexico and the United States held presidential elections this year, and the results offer an opportunity to redirect our relationship. The U.S. election demonstrated the growing demographic bonds that connect our countries' futures. The election in Mexico heralded a new style of governing based on pragmatism. To build a more prosperous future, we must continue strengthening our deep economic, social, and cultural ties. It is a mistake to limit our relationship to drugs and security concerns. Our mutual interests are too vast and complex. When I meet with President Obama today, I want to discuss rearranging our priorities.
Perhaps most important is finding new ways to bolster our economic relationship. The United States is already Mexico's largest trading partner. As a result of the North American Free Trade Agreement, these ties have grown to an unprecedented degree. It's a solid foundation to further integrate our economies.

From the News Desk 

 

Mexico is an increasingly desirable and dependable manufacturing location. My country is the second-largest supplier of electronic goods to the United States. Coca-Cola, DuPont, General Motors, and many others are seizing the opportunity to manufacture within our borders. Energy is another area that can enhance our potential. I plan to open Mexico's energy sector to national and foreign investment. Mexico holds the fifth-largest shale-gas reserve in the world, in addition to large deepwater oil reserves and tremendous potential in renewable energy. We won't surrender Mexico's ownership of its energy resources. We will, however, welcome new technologies, partnerships, and investment. This may well contribute to North American energy independence, which we would all benefit greatly from.
Above all, our mutual interest lies in our intertwined peoples. More than a million U.S. citizens live in Mexico, and my country remains the largest source of immigrants to the United States. Some detect new momentum for comprehensive U.S. immigration reform. Mexicans would welcome such a development.
Both of our nations are seriously affected by organized crime and drug trafficking. Working against them must be a shared responsibility. I will continue the efforts begun by President Felipe Calderón, but the strategy must change.
I set a goal of slashing violent crime significantly, proposing a sizable increase in security spending, and doing away with redundant police levels. I will improve coordination among crime-fighting authorities, expand the federal police by at least 35,000 officers, and bolster intelligence-gathering and analysis. It is also important that our countries increase intelligence-sharing and crime-fighting techniques and promote cooperation among law enforcement agencies.
I am visiting Washington and President Obama because our nations share a long-standing and important relationship. We must build a more prosperous North America on the basis of an alliance for further competitive and productive integration of our economies.

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