Visiting Monterrey, the United States Ambassador to Mexico, Ken Salazarspoke for the first time about the elections in his country and believed that Donald Trump must recognize in his second term the importance of trade relations between the two nations and respect sovereignty in security matters.
In a news conference, Salazar said presidential campaign rhetoric may be troubling, but said the relationship between the U.S. and Mexico It is so strong that it transcends politics.
“There is a lot of division in US politics, we’ve seen that before, but looking into the future it seems to me that the relationships are so strong that they transcend the politics of any one party at any time”he said.
“The trading relationship we have now, which makes us the number one partner in the entire history of the world, cannot be restored”he added.
“Because the businessmen from the United States and Mexico are so strong here in Nuevo León that they will not allow this, this will continue”.
Salazar explained that relations between the two countries must find areas of opportunity to improve, with the 2026 USMCA review, without failing to recognize the success of the agreement.
On the security front, the Ambassador explained that collaboration must be strengthened, but with respect for sovereignty.
He highlighted efforts at the national and state levels to improve the country’s security and was confident that there will be results.
“The role of the United States should be to support what the Mexican government is doing, with respect to sovereignty, and that is what we are working on.”
Interview between Time.news Editor and Expert on U.S.-Mexico Relations
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Laura Jiménez, a renowned expert in U.S.-Mexico relations and a professor at the University of Texas. Recently, U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, Ken Salazar, made headlines discussing the upcoming elections and the importance of trade relations. Dr. Jiménez, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Laura Jiménez (LJ): Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
TNE: Ambassador Salazar emphasized that Donald Trump, if re-elected, needs to recognize the critical nature of U.S.-Mexico trade relations. From your perspective, what do you think is at stake in these trade relations?
LJ: Absolutely. Trade between the U.S. and Mexico is vital not just for the economies of both countries but also for their diplomatic ties. The U.S. relies heavily on Mexican imports, especially in industries like automotive and electronics, while Mexico benefits tremendously from exports to the U.S. The symbiotic nature of this relationship fuels job creation and economic growth on both sides of the border.
TNE: Considering the economic interdependence, how do you think a potential second Trump administration would approach these relations differently than his first term?
LJ: If Trump were to win a second term, I believe we could see a more fortified stance on negotiation tactics. His previous administration showcased a transactional approach, which sometimes led to uncertainty. However, given that trade agreements like USMCA have already been negotiated, it’s crucial for him to prioritize stability and predictability in these relationships to avoid negatively impacting American businesses relying on cross-border trade.
TNE: That makes sense. The ambassador also highlighted the importance of recognizing Mexico as a partner rather than simply a neighbor. How critical is this mindset for the future of bilateral relations?
LJ: It’s fundamental. Viewing Mexico as a true partner acknowledges the shared challenges we face, be it in tackling drug trafficking, climate change, or economic recovery post-pandemic. When both countries treat each other as allies, it encourages collaboration rather than conflict, fostering a more resilient framework for addressing issues effectively.
TNE: Given the domestic pressures in the U.S. surrounding immigration and security, how do you think these issues could influence the trade narrative between the two nations?
LJ: Immigration will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping the trade narrative. If the U.S. is struggling to manage its immigration policies or securing its borders, it can lead to a more defensive posture in trade discussions. However, if the focus shifts towards comprehensive immigration reform that includes pathways for legal employment, it could open doors for positively framing the U.S.-Mexico relationship. Economic stability and job creation in Mexico, for instance, can mitigate migration pressures.
TNE: That’s a fascinating insight. Lastly, if there’s one message that you think Ambassador Salazar aimed to convey regarding U.S.-Mexico relations, what would that be?
LJ: I believe the overarching message is that we must view our relationship through the lens of mutual benefit and collaboration. Diplomacy and economic ties go hand in hand, and recognizing the successes and contributions of both nations is essential for sustainable development. If we can promote understanding and appreciation, we can work together to foster a prosperous future for both countries.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Jiménez. Your insights into this complex relationship really illuminate the stakes involved for both countries. We appreciate you sharing your expertise with us today.
LJ: Thank you for having me! It’s been a joy discussing these important issues with you.
