MEXICO VITY, Mexico (Reuters) — Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto said Friday’s conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump had left room for more dialogue as the two governments to look to navigate troubled relations.
Trump wants a wall on the U.S. southern border to keep out illegal immigrants and says Mexico will pay for it. Mexico has flatly refused, making the issue a point of national pride, a point Pena Nieto reiterated in a video statement released Monday (January 30).
“Mexicans, in my New Year message I mentioned that 2017 would bring with it some big challenges, one of which is building a positive relationship with the new government of the United States. This relationship should be based on the fundamentals of national sovereignty, respect of our dignity and independence in addition to the feelings of friendship and cooperation between two peoples who are neighbors, friends, and commercial allies. This is the position Mexico has adopted and in which we will be firm,” Pena Nieto said.
Tensions flared last week when a planned summit between the two leaders was canceled after Trump said it was better to forgo it if Mexico was unwilling to pay for the wall.
Pena Nieto and Trump spoke by telephone to calm tensions on Friday, and Mexican Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray said the two administrations were in close contact and would talk this week.
“Last Friday I spoke by telephone for an hour with the president of the United States to stress the importance Mexicans give to these irrevocable fundamentals. Although we have not reached any agreements on any matter, this conversation leaves room for the governments of Mexico and the United States to continue a dialogue. The American president and I have defined that our representatives continue doing their work and continue with rapprochements. I will inform the Mexican people of the advancements and the implications of every step of these negotiations,” Pena Nieto continued.
The Mexican president promised to better protect migrants north of the border, by channeling over 1 billion pesos ($48.14 million dollars) into Mexican consulates in the United States.
“I realize there will be times that are difficult and that require hard work. My responsibility is to protect the country and Mexican families, ensure the opportunities our children and young people deserve, look to grow the national economy, and of course, defend our nationals who live in or are in the United States,” he said.
“Precisely, to reinforce the protection of their liberty, their rights, and their dignity, I have given orders to channel more than a billion pesos ($48.14 million dollars) in additional funds to our network of consulates in the American Union (the United States),” Pena Nieto added.
Pena Nieto also said he appreciated solidarity from around the world, an apparent nod to protests in recent days especially in the United States in which thousands of demonstrators have condemned Trump’s plans to build a wall.
“I value and appreciate that in recent days so many voices have been raised here, in the United States and in the world to express and their appreciation and solidarity with Mexico. As president and as a Mexican I am touched by the support our country has received. It is recognition for all Mexicans; it is the result of many years of Mexico distinguishing itself as a country that defends peace, respects all nations and promotes coexistence and cooperation,” he said.
Other top officials on Monday said there were signs the U.S. government is taking a more flexible view of how to pay for the border wall.
New meetings to craft future bilateral relations could take place soon, though no date has been set for a new Pena Nieto-Trump summit.
