U.S.- Mexican Relations

We're building a relationship that is unique in the world, a relationship of unprecedented closeness and cooperation.

"The respect of my nation endures, and it deepens. The United States has no more important relationship in the world than our relationship with Mexico. Each of our countries is proud of our independence, our freedom, and our democracy. We are united by values and carried forward by common hopes."

President George W. Bush

Relations Strong: The momentum of U.S.-Mexican relationship, now at a historical high point, continues strong as our economies become increasingly integrated and two-way trade passes $650 million per day. President Fox's emphasis on finding pragmatic solutions to common problems has helped bolster bilateral cooperation across the wide spectrum of our ties -- including in trade, migration, law enforcement, and energy.

Fox's State Visit to Washington September 5-7, 2001 (the Administrations first and, to date, only State Visit) was a celebration of a mature and modern relationship founded on a greater affinity of values (e.g. democracy, free markets) and common purpose than at any time in the past.

Recent Developments: Highlights on bilateral agenda since State Visit include:

--Partnership for Prosperity action plan to promote development in less-developed regions of Mexico;

--Development of Smart Border vision, with action plan to modernize border, bolster security, and facilitate legal trade and human transit;

--Agreement to reform NADBank and BECC so they are better able to enhance border environmental infrastructure;

--Continued bilateral discussions aimed at addressing migration issues between the two countries; and  

--Bilateral counter-drug cooperation strong and growing.

Campaign Against Terrorism: Mexican support for the campaign against terrorism has been unconditional. Mexico has:

--Targeted terrorist financial assets and transactions;

--Strengthened border security;

--Enhanced information sharing and law enforcement cooperation; and

--Introduced visa screening procedures for nationals from criteria countries as well as photo-digitized passports.

Economic: Our economic partnership remains dynamic as our business cycles converge.

Business confidence remains high, with foreign investment topping $25 billion in 2001 (buoyed by Citigroup's multi-billion dollar acquisition of Banamex). Mexican markets largely immune to Argentina's crisis, and have served as an investment safehaven. Eight years into NAFTA, bilateral trade has nearly tripled to roughly $250 billion.