MEXICO CITY – U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner R. Gil Kerlikowske concluded his visit to Mexico City Saturday where he participated in a series of meetings with his counterparts from the Government of Mexico and the private sector.
On Thursday, Commissioner Kerlikowske met with Ardelio Vargas Fosado, National Migration Institute Commissioner; Jesús Murillo Karam, Mexico’s Attorney General; Monte Alejandro Rubido Garcia, Commissioner of National Security; and Enrique Galindo Ceballos, Commissioner of the Mexican Federal Police.
On Friday, Commissioner Kerlikowske met with Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Sergio M. Alcocer Martinez de Castro, Tax Administration Service Chief Aristóteles Nuñez, and Customs Administrator General Alejandro Chacón Domínguez.
Discussions focused on current issues and future strategy, including strengthening the two countries’ bilateral partnership and continued support in furthering our mutual trade, travel, immigration and security objectives.
Commissioner Kerlikowske and Chief Nuñez led a discussion during a Trade roundtable with representatives from Mexico’s private sector. Participants lauded the United States’ and Mexico’s close coordination with private sector stakeholders and urged continued collaboration as both governments move forward to improve the procedures and mechanisms to improve cross border trade.
“This visit to Mexico was my first international trip as Commissioner, which shows the importance I place on the work we do with our Mexican counterparts. The meetings I had with Mexican colleagues over the last two days exemplified the ongoing partnership between our two countries and the shared responsibility and commitment to enhancing North American competitiveness and security,” said Commissioner Kerlikowske.
“Through coordinated operations, information sharing, joint investment in cross-border infrastructure, security collaboration, and capacity building, we are continuing to enhance legitimate trade and travel while securing the flows of people and goods across the border. It was especially meaningful to have engagement and hear proposals from Mexico’s trade and business community. I look forward to continuing these important relationships, said Commissioner Kerlikowske.”