Event Summary

Eduardo Medina Mora, Mexico's ambassador to the United States, delivered a keynote address before a full room at AEI on Wednesday morning, explaining the complexities of the US-Mexican relationship -- namely the bilateral integration process. He emphasized that the amount of shared interests between the US and Mexico is unprecedented, highlighting that US-Mexican bilateral trade has grown by over 500 percent over the last 20 years.

Mora noted that Mexico would like to continue forging ties with the US so that the two countries can collectively address global economic difficulties and transnational crime. Eric Farnsworth of the Council of the Americas further argued that though the US tends to turn to Brazil first in economic and trade partnership matters, US policymakers need to begin to consider Mexico as a critical partner.

Ambassador Lino Gutierrez, former US ambassador to Argentina, illustrated that US-Mexico relations have been rocky for many years, and pointed to further clouds on the horizon such as Mexico being affected by America's economic downturn and domestic battles with cartels. James R. Jones, former US ambassador to Mexico, concluded that regional trade pacts will help encourage US companies to invest in Mexico, although progress in addressing the security situation must still be made.
--Alex Della Rocchetta

Event Description

The United States and Mexico enjoy vital economic, commercial, and security ties. However, Mexico’s leaders are looking beyond their country’s northern neighbor as their people ponder the high price of fighting the illicit drug trade that services the insatiable US demand for illegal drugs. How can Mexico’s leaders maintain their essential relationship with the US while dealing with the challenge of violent narcotrafficking, strengthening fragile institutions, modernizing the economic rules of the game, and overcoming structural poverty?

At this event, Eduardo Medina Mora, Mexico’s ambassador to the United States, will give a keynote speech that addresses the complexities of the US-Mexico relationship and  the pace and direction of reforms that his government is pursuing. A panel discussion on Western Hemisphere-related issues will follow.

If you are unable to attend, we welcome you to watch the event live on this page. Full video will be posted within 24 hours.