Mexico and California reaffirm their interest in strengthening the bilateral relationship and addressing shared challenges

Gobierno De Mexico|Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores

Mexico and California reaffirm their interest in strengthening the bilateral relationship and addressing shared challenges

• The two delegations will continue to work together on proposals and to make progress on climate change, migration, security and electromobility issues.
• While fully respecting the sovereignty of each country, they agreed on the importance of comprehensive immigration reform for the millions of undocumented Mexicans in the U.S. who contribute to U.S. society.

This Friday, Chief Officer for North American Unit, Roberto Velasco met in the Foreign Ministry with a delegation of California state senators, led by Senator María Elena Durazo, to discuss the broad bilateral agenda and continue strengthening the deep ties between Mexico and California.

Chief Officer Velasco said that the relationship with California is one of the most important that Mexico has with the states of the U.S., and he again expressed the Mexican government’s gratitude for the respect shown by California authorities to the Mexican community living in that state.

He said that Mexico fully respects the sovereignty of the United States, while agreeing with the delegation on the importance of comprehensive immigration reform that provides security and protection for the millions of undocumented immigrants who live in the U.S. and who contribute daily to its society and economy.

Chief Officer Velasco emphasized the shared challenges related to climate change, especially in water management on the border, where they are working together closely to address the drought affecting the Colorado River Basin and the cleanup of the Tijuana River.

He also stressed the importance of taking advantage of the opportunities provided by nearshoring to create positive and tangible results, specifically in the CaliBaja region. "It is essential to continue our bilateral cooperation to provide our shared border with the innovation needed to leverage and boost our commercial potential."

The California senators noted that one of the main goals of their visit to Mexico was to better understand and learn about Mexican culture and its communities, mainly indigenous, in order to deepen their efforts to work with the large number of Mexicans living in the state.

The U.S. delegation concluded by sharing their views on renewable energy and security issues, and reaffirmed California’s interest in continuing our mutual cooperation.

Also participating in the meeting were the Coordinator of Political Affairs for North America, Cristina Planter; the Director of Economic Affairs, David Fortoul; the Director of Strategic Partnerships and Regulations, Daniel Alegre; and the Head of the Department for Institutional Affairs with the U.S., Erick Ruiz.

Senator Durazo was accompanied by California State Senator for District 26, Benjamin Allen; California State Senator for District 7, Steven Glazer; California State Senator for District 17, John Laird; Senate Director of International Affairs Shannon Shellenberg; Spanish language and translation consultant for the Senate Rules Committee, Victoria Ewing; and Director of Public Affairs for Pfizer, Inc., Donna Kaylor.