Background on Maru Campos and Relevance
Maru Campos, the governor of the Mexican state of Chihuahua, recently embarked on a working trip to Washington D.C. During this visit, she met with Congressman Tony Gonzales, representing Texas’s 23rd district, to discuss crucial agricultural and border security matters.
Who is Maru Campos?
Maru Campos is the current governor of Chihuahua, a state in north-central Mexico. As the chief executive of Chihuahua, she plays a significant role in shaping state policies and fostering relationships with neighboring regions, including the United States.
Why is this meeting relevant?
This meeting is crucial as it brings together key figures from both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border to address shared concerns in agriculture and border security. The collaboration aims to strengthen the relationship between Chihuahua and Texas, ultimately benefiting both states and their residents.
Key Discussion Points
Changing the Narrative on Cattle Parasites
Governor Campos emphasized the need to shift the narrative surrounding the Gusano Barrenador del Ganado (GBG) issue, stressing that Mexico and the United States are allies rather than competitors in cattle farming.
Inviting Congressman Gonzales to Chihuahua
Campos invited Congressman Gonzales to visit Chihuahua personally, so he could learn about the state’s preventive and containment systems for GBG, as well as the functioning of the C7 center, which coordinates state security strategies. Additionally, she highlighted the collaboration with the Unión Ganadera Regional de Chihuahua (UGRCh) for cattle export and the industrial sector’s operations in Ciudad Juárez.
Seeking USDA Authorization for Ojinaga Port
Campos and Álvaro Bustillos, president of UGRCh, requested Congressman Gonzales’ support in including the Ojinaga port on the USDA-authorized list for continued cattle exportation. Currently, Ojinaga is the only port without authorization.
Security Frontier Efforts and Collaboration
Governor Campos highlighted Chihuahua’s efforts in border security and its strong relationships with various U.S. agencies. She reaffirmed her commitment to fostering binational collaboration on strategic issues.
Agreement and Next Steps
The primary agreement from the meeting is that the Secretariat of Rural Development in Chihuahua will serve as the real-time communication link with Congressman Gonzales’ team, keeping him informed about the GBG status and reinforcing containment and sanitary surveillance actions.
Maintaining a Close Relationship with the U.S.
Campos emphasized that Chihuahua will not allow the entry or contamination of local cattle and stressed the importance of maintaining a close and productive relationship with the United States, given their shared concerns in migration, border security, and international trade.
Key Questions and Answers
- What was the purpose of Maru Campos’ meeting with Congressman Tony Gonzales? The main objective was to discuss agricultural and border security priorities between Chihuahua, Mexico, and Texas, USA.
- What specific topics were covered during the meeting? The discussion included changing the narrative on cattle parasites, inviting Congressman Gonzales to Chihuahua for a firsthand look at local initiatives, seeking USDA authorization for the Ojinaga port, and emphasizing security frontier efforts and collaboration.
- What is the agreement reached between both parties? The Secretariat of Rural Development in Chihuahua will act as the real-time communication link with Congressman Gonzales’ team to keep him updated on the GBG situation and reinforce containment and sanitary surveillance actions.
- Why is this meeting significant for Chihuahua and the U.S.? This meeting strengthens binational collaboration on shared concerns like migration, border security, and international trade, ultimately benefiting both states.
