Background on Claudia Sheinbaum and Her Role
Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo is the current Head of Government (equivalent to Mayor) of Mexico City, serving since 2018. As the successor to Marcelo Ebrard, she has been instrumental in maintaining and strengthening Mexico’s international relationships. Her role is crucial as she represents one of the most influential cities in Mexico and plays a significant part in shaping the country’s foreign policy.
Meeting Details and Key Participants
On July 30, 2021, Sheinbaum met with a delegation of U.S. congress members and the U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, Ronald Johnson, at Palacio Nacional in Mexico City. The meeting took place just two days before new tariffs of 30% imposed by the Trump administration on Mexican imports were set to take effect.
- U.S. Congress Members: Donald Bacon (Republican, Nebraska) and Rohit Khanna (Democrat, California)
- U.S. Ambassador: Ronald Johnson
- Mexican Representative: Juan Ramón de la Fuente, Mexico’s Secretary of Foreign Affairs
Key Discussion Points
The primary topics of discussion during the meeting were migration, security, and trade between Mexico and the United States. Sheinbaum emphasized the need for a comprehensive migration reform that would provide legal working conditions for Mexican migrants in the U.S., benefiting both countries’ economies and families.
Sheinbaum Pardo highlighted the importance of migration reform, stating that it would not only support Mexican families but also bolster the U.S. economy.
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Ambassador Johnson’s Perspective
In a tweet, Ambassador Ronald Johnson emphasized the shared priority of security between Mexico and the U.S., stating that both nations are working together to combat transnational crime and drug-related terrorist groups that disregard borders.
Security is a shared priority. We work together to combat transnational crime and drug-related terrorist groups that disregard borders, destabilize communities, and sow fear.
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Previous Meeting and Continued Dialogue
This meeting marked the second time Sheinbaum has engaged with U.S. congressional delegations in recent weeks, following a previous meeting with a bipartisan group led by James French Hill and accompanied by Ambassador Ronald Johnson. The ongoing dialogue reflects the importance of maintaining open communication channels between Mexico and the U.S., especially amidst trade tensions and shared concerns about security and migration.
