REPORT | November 2021
The Center for Binational Institutions is devoted to promoting a better understanding of the bilateral institutions between Mexico and the United States. Our monthly newsletter presents the relevant events between US-MEXICO bilateral institutions.
1) U.S. - Mexico Consular Dialogue 2021 (10.28.21) Learn more
Institutional context -The U.S. - Mexico Consular Dialogue was created in 2013 to strengthen bilateral cooperation regarding consular assistance and protection. Through this dialogue mechanism, the United States and Mexico exchange good consular practices, find areas of collaboration and address shared challenges.
U.S. - Mexico Consular Dialogue 2021 - On October 28th, Mexico and the United States celebrated the binational Consular Dialogue. During the dialogue, the main themes were the status of operations in both nations, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, collaboration mechanisms, and exchange of information and experience in consular emergencies.
2) Reopening of the U.S - MX Border (11.08.21)
Institutional context - In March 2020, the United States placed restrictions on border crossing with Mexico to slow the spread of COVID-19. These restrictions were reviewed on a monthly basis by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). There have been important economic impacts along the U.S. - Mexico border due to the closing of the border. Reopening of the U.S - MX Border - After bilateral negotiations led by Mexican Foreign Minister, Marcelo Ebrad, and the Chief Officer for North America, Roberto Velasco, activities in the U.S. - Mexico border resumed on November 8th, 2021. People who are fully vaccinated, with vaccines authorized by the World Health Organization (WHO), will be now able to travel through land and air to the United States.
3) AMLO - Biden Meeting (11.18.21) Learn more
Institutional context - The North American Leaders’ Summit (NALS) is a trilateral summit between the Mexican and American Presidents, and the Canadian Prime Minister. Initially, the Summit was part of the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America (SPP), a continent level dialogue established in 2005. During the Trump administration from 2017 to 2021, no official summits were held. The North American Leaders’ Summit was celebrated this year after a five-year pause.
AMLO - Biden Meeting - Through the North American Leaders’ Summit, the U.S. and the Mexican Presidents met in person for the first time on November 18th. Several topics were mentioned during the meeting, some of which are economic cooperation, the COVID-19 pandemic, migration, development and security. Both presidents pledged to create working groups on arms trafficking and related transborder crime and border security, and to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding for joint cooperation on mental health, substance use and addictions.
