U.S. Secretary of State to Visit Mexico for Bilateral Security Agreement
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will travel to Mexico on September 3rd to formalize a bilateral agreement focused on security issues, reports 24brussels.
During her press conference, Sheinbaum highlighted that the upcoming agreement will be based on a foundation of national sovereignty, mutual trust, and shared responsibility. The president noted Mexico’s rejection of initial U.S. proposals for increased intervention from U.S. forces within Mexican territory, stating, “The United States had proposed greater intervention in Mexican territory, but we said no.” She insisted, “We will never sign anything that, from our perspective, violates sovereignty or our territory, never.”
Sheinbaum further explained that negotiations took several months, where both sides presented unacceptable demands. However, she emphasized that the final agreement reached is beneficial for both parties. The agreement will include a joint investigation into the sources of chemical precursors used for fentanyl production, alongside greater initiatives aimed at preventive campaigns to mitigate drug-related harm.
Additionally, Sheinbaum confirmed that the United States plans to enhance measures aiming to reduce illegal arms trafficking into Mexico. In a related matter concerning the closure of the border due to the presence of screwworm, Sheinbaum revealed that technical discussions had taken place, and a full reopening of the border could be expected in November. As a preliminary step, agreements have been established with cattle ranchers in Sonora, Coahuila, and Durango to bolster meat production for the domestic market, with plans to extend these agreements to producers in Chihuahua and Tamaulipas.
