For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
September 4, 2001
Fact Sheet on U.S.-Mexican Relations
U.S.-Mexican Relations
"Our nations are bound together by ties of history, family, values, commerce and culture. Today these ties give us an unprecedented opportunity. We have a chance to build a partnership that will improve the lives of citizens of both nations."
President George W. Bush
February 16, 2001
The United States and Mexico enjoy close and cordial bilateral relations that cover an unprecedented range of issues and engage a wide range of participants in government, the private sector and civil society. At the federal government level, U.S.-Mexico relations are coordinated by the Binational Commission (BNC). The BNC is a unique forum that allows for regular exchanges at the cabinet level on a wide range of issues that are critical to the bilateral relationship.
This year, a streamlined and reorganized
BNC will meet on September 4, immediately preceding the State Visit by
Mexican President Vicente Fox. On September 6, at a joint
Cabinet meeting, the results of the BNC sessions will be briefed to the
two Presidents. This year, the U.S. and Mexico will have
held working group sessions on a wide range of bilateral topics,
including agriculture, border affairs, science and technology,
education and cultural affairs, energy, environment, financial issues,
health, housing, labor, legal affairs, migration, trade, investment and
transportation.
Several other separate bilateral
organizations deal with the U.S.-Mexico border, including a commission
of the border governors and organizations devoted to health, the
environment, water and border crossings. The U.S. and Mexico
consult closely on improving the safety of the border and improving the
orderly flow of legal migration. Over one million people
cross our common border every day.
Trade relations with Mexico have blossomed
under NAFTA, with Mexico becoming the second largest trading partner of
the U.S., second only to Canada ? the other NAFTA
partner. Total trade between the U.S. and Mexico reached
over $260 billion in 2000. Law enforcement cooperation
remains a high priority of the two nations and is an area where we have
seen steady progress.
President Bush and President Fox have held
meetings on four previous occasions:
-- Bilateral on February 16 in
Guanajuato;
-- Bilateral on April 21 in
Quebec City;
-- Trilateral, with Canadian
Prime Minister Chretien, on April 22 in
Quebec
City; and
-- Bilateral on May 3 at the
White House.
The State Visit of President Fox will mark
the fifth meeting between the two leaders.
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