MEXICO-UNITED STATES COORDINATION MECHANISMS ANNOUNCED FOLLOWING THE MEETING OF PRESIDENTS PEÑA NIETO AND OBAMA

Following today’s meeting between President Enrique Pena Nieto and U.S. President Barack Obama, the governments of both countries announced the establishment of the following new coordination mechanisms:

1. High-Level Economic Dialogue

In order to continue forging a closer and more productive economic relationship, a High-Level Economic Dialogue was established. The Dialogue will be led at the cabinet level with the participation of agencies from both countries. It will meet for the first time this fall, and annually thereafter.

It will cover the following areas: 1) improving competitiveness and connectivity; 2) promoting economic growth, productivity and innovation; and 3) jointly exercising global leadership.

The Dialogue will strengthen existing bilateral programs, avoiding duplication of efforts. It will take a flexible approach to addressing the needs and circumstances of the bilateral economic relationship, and will seek to strengthen the dialogue with civil society and the private sector.

2. Bilateral Forum on Higher Education, Innovation and Research

Convinced that both countries will benefit from a frank dialogue on educational issues and from reaching an understanding on higher education and innovative research, it was agreed to create a Bilateral Forum on Higher Education, Innovation and Research. The forum will be coordinated by agencies in each country at the level of undersecretaries or the equivalent, and include professionals and technical experts and educational leaders in its discussions. It will begin meeting this year.

The Forum will work to create a shared vision on the issue, putting forth proposals for specific action in the short- to medium-term to further collaboration and coordination. The two governments will also share best practices and information, with the goal of expanding access to quality higher education in both societies. It will join forces with the Mexico-United States Commission for Educational and Cultural Exchange (COMEXUS) and other institutions involved in binational educational programs.

The government of Mexico reiterates its commitment to cooperating with the United States, based on shared responsibility and mutual respect, on the many different issues that shape the bilateral agenda.