FOREIGN SECRETARY MEADE IN WASHINGTON, D.C.

Foreign Secretary José Antonio Meade traveled to Washington, D.C. to meet with Secretary of State John Kerry and the Secretary of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano.

Secretaries Meade and Kerry reiterated the commitment of both governments to cooperation as the basis of the many issues on the broad bilateral agenda. They agreed on the importance of taking full advantage of the ties between the two societies, the economic complementarities and the areas of political agreement between the two governments. Foreign Secretary Meade also mentioned the benefits that would be gained by both societies through the adoption of laws and public policies that make North America more competitive and innovative.

Foreign Secretary Meade again applauded President Obama’s support for immigration reform in the United States, saying that the Mexican government is following the debate closely.

In his meeting with Secretary Napolitano, the Foreign Secretary discussed cooperating to make their management of the border more efficient. They agreed that the border zone plays a role in the welfare of both societies and that, therefore, their joint programs in security, development, facilitation and infrastructure modernization should be strengthened.

The Foreign Secretary said that coordinating with the Department of Homeland Security is part of the consular assistance and protection carried out by the Mexican consulates in the United States, with the goal of making all repatriations of Mexican citizens humane, safe and orderly.

The Mexican government reiterates its commitment to cooperating with the United States, based on shared responsibility and mutual respect. It also reaffirms its resolve to promote the interests and protect the rights of Mexicans abroad, regardless of their immigration status.