Mexico Engages in High-Level Dialogue with the United States

Collaboration and Coordination, Not Submission: The Federal Government’s Approach to Countering Trump’s Threats

Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, President of Mexico, has spoken twice on the phone with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, officially initiating high-level discussions between the two administrations, as confirmed by Juan Ramón de la Fuente, Mexico’s Secretary of Foreign Affairs.

In an interview with Salvador García Soto on Heraldo Radio, the Foreign Affairs Secretary mentioned that, in reaction to Trump’s threats of imposing tariffs on Mexican goods and deploying U.S. military forces on Mexican soil, “we seek to emphasize dialogue, cooperation, and coordination.”

Nonetheless, he recognized that the Mexican government has a backup plan should Trump push for tariffs.

Sigue leyendo:

Papa Francisco habla de Donald Trump y su política migratoria Foto: Instagram/ @franciscus

Papa Francisco califica los planes de deportación masiva de Donald Trump como “una vergüenza”

De la Fuente stressed that the Mexican government is ready for any scenario and will not take a subordinate role under the incoming Republican administration.

Key Bilateral Agenda Topics: Economy, Migration, and Security

Regarding the phone calls, de la Fuente outlined that the critical issues on the bilateral agenda were economic matters, migration, and security, with a particular focus on combating the illegal trafficking of fentanyl.

“There will be moments that require navigating challenging dialogues due to certain disagreements, such as those on migration issues, while other discussions will proceed more smoothly,” he explained.

Trade discussions have centered on examining the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). De la Fuente emphasized that this is not a renegotiation, as the formal review of the agreement is scheduled for 2026. Nevertheless, working groups from Mexico’s Ministry of Economy (SE) will begin addressing the issue next year.

De la Fuente acknowledged that migration has been among the most contentious issues. “The model implemented in Mexico is improvable, but it yields good results,” he noted.

He also mentioned that the delegation, including representatives from the Ministries of the Interior, Social Welfare, Labor, and Security, will propose proposals while being receptive to Trump’s suggestions.

A Message to Mexican Nationals in the U.S.: “You Are Not Alone”

The Foreign Affairs Secretary addressed Mexican nationals living in the United States who feel threatened and concerned about Trump’s recent statements regarding possible mass deportations.

“You are not alone. We will always stand by your side,” De la Fuente declared. “We have legal strategies to defend your rights and will ensure compliance with international conventions. "

De la Fuente added that Mexico’s consular network in the U.S. is preparing a strategy to protect the rights of Mexican nationals in that country.

“We will be steadfast in safeguarding the interests of our compatriots and protecting them using all tools at our disposal,” he concluded.

With information from José Miguel Velázquez