Alicia Bárcena calls for combating illegal arms and drug trafficking

Alicia Bárcena Ibarra, Mexico’s Secretary of Foreign Affairs, emphasized that in addition to the international fight against synthetic drug trafficking, such as fentanyl, efforts must also focus on curbing the illegal sale and trafficking of firearms.

Speaking at the Global Coalition Summit to Address Synthetic Drug Threats in New York, Bárcena stated that Mexico, the United States, and Canada are working together to confront these critical challenges.

“Canada, the United States, and Mexico have been collaborating and meeting frequently to address these problems. We are also very aware that the international fight against synthetic drugs must also address the illegal sale and trafficking of firearms, as this is the other side of the coin of international drug trafficking. Therefore, we must also combat the illicit arms trade,” she said.

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Strengthening Public Health and Security

Bárcena noted that, following President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s instructions, Mexico joined this coalition in 2023 and is actively involved in several working groups, including Group 3, focused on mental health and addictions.

she stated.

The Foreign Minister highlighted Mexico’s efforts to combat drug trafficking, including the establishment of a coalition by the Secretariat of the Navy to track chemical substances that could be diverted for the production of illicit drugs. This coalition also provides early alerts to health systems and legislates new substances emerging in the market while investigating the trafficking and financial networks associated with illegal drugs.

“Now, fentanyl and its precursors are taking on new forms, so we must focus on this changing landscape of fentanyl and its precursors,” she added.

Bárcena also noted ongoing collaboration with China to combat synthetic drugs, pointing out that a joint task force was created last year to address these issues.

“We aim to adhere to the seven principles announced by the United States because we genuinely feel that this is a problem of our time that we must tackle together. Together means that we have worked very well between Mexico, Canada, and the United States, and we hope this experience can be extended to all member countries of this coalition,” she said.

Mexico takes part in the 79th UNGA General Debate

Representing President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, Foreign Minister Alicia Bárcena Ibarra attended the opening of the General Debate of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

The debate is led by UN Secretary-General António Guterres and the President of the General Assembly, Philémon Yang of Cameroon. Leaders and representatives from 193 member states are present.

“Mexico, represented by the Foreign Minister, is actively participating in the High-Level Week of #UNGA79, marking a crucial milestone in the global effort to accelerate progress towards the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. This highlights the urgent need to improve cooperation in facing challenges such as climate change, poverty, inequality, and ongoing conflicts,” the Foreign Ministry reported.

Bárcena is set to address the General Assembly on September 28, reaffirming the Mexican government’s commitment to a humanist, pacifist, feminist, and multilateral approach before the international community.

“The Government of Mexico reaffirms its commitment to multilateralism and international cooperation in addressing global challenges, actively participating in the General Debate of the UN General Assembly,” the Ministry noted.

Nota publicada originalmente en El Heraldo de México