MEXICO AND THE UNITED STATES CONSULT ON MULTILATERAL PRIORITIES

The Undersecretary for Multilateral Affairs and Human Rights, Ambassador Juan Manuel Gómez Robledo, and the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs, Dr. Esther Brimmer, co-chaired a meeting for consultations between Mexico and the United States on multilateral issues on April 16th in the Foreign Ministry.

The meeting was held to discuss bilateral cooperation between Mexico and the United States in the main regional and international multilateral forums on a number of topics. As part of the current administration’s efforts to position Mexico as an actor with global responsibilities, these regularly-scheduled consultations broaden and deepen the dialogue between the two countries on multilateral priorities of mutual interest.

Regarding disarmament and non-proliferation, the delegations discussed the NPT Review Conference, agreeing on the importance of overcoming the obstacles to negotiation and of making progress in acknowledging the humanitarian impact of the use of nuclear weapons.

The role of the Special Political Missions in a variety of United Nations activities was recognized, and both countries expressed their concern regarding funding and the best way to cover the costs of the operations, so they can fulfill their mandates efficiently and completely.

Regarding UN budget issues, Mexico and the United States reiterated their readiness to continue exploring options for more transparency and efficiency in maintaining international security and peace.

Both countries stressed the importance of maintaining a close dialogue in the main human rights forums. They agreed on the need to continue working on reviewing and improving the key regional and international human rights agencies, including the Human Rights Council.

Regarding the Post-2015 Development Agenda, they stressed that the governmental negotiating process should be inclusive and participatory, the result of a frank and transparent discussion with all the non-governmental stakeholders.

On humanitarian issues, both countries agreed on the need to acknowledge the increasingly complex situation of humanitarian actors and the precarious security situations they face. In light of this, there should be a more efficient allocation of resources, in order to help them perform their work.

Both delegations presented their top candidates to the international organizations. Mexico stressed Dr. Herminio Blanco’s candidacy to the post of WTO Director-General, highlighting his proven track record and international experience as a free-trade negotiator.

Lastly, they exchanged views on the reform of the UN Security Council, Mexico’s possible entry to the Australia Group—an export control regime for chemical precursors, dual-use equipment and facilities, biological agents and animal and vegetable pathogens, and the next meeting of the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism to be held in Mexico in May 2013.