Ambassador Wayne’s Remarks at the Principal Officers Reception

October 15, 2012 - As Delivered

Good evening and welcome everyone. I am pleased that you have joined us this special evening when we have gathered officers from across our diplomatic mission to Mexico, and where we have the opportunity to meet representatives of all nine U.S. Consulates General. I would like to extend a special welcome to our talented corps of Principal Officers, seven of whom are newly arrived in Mexico, but all of whom bring a wealth of experience to their new responsibilities. Please join me in welcoming:

• Susan Abeyta in Guadalajara,

• Ian Brownlee in Ciudad Juarez,

• Chad Cummins in Nogales,

• Andrew Erickson in Tijuana,

• Thomas Mittnacht in Matamoros,

• Joe Pomper in Monterrey,

• John Tavenner in Hermosillo,

• Sonya Tsiros in Merida

• And finally, David Zimov in Nuevo Laredo.

I can assure you that we all are excited to be working in Mexico to continue to improve the U.S. – Mexico relationship in as comprehensive a way as possible.

The importance of the bilateral relationship between our countries is easily recognized in the scope and scale of our Diplomatic Mission’s operations. In Mexico, we have nine consulates general in addition to the Embassy in Mexico City. In no other country in the world do we have so many consular posts. We also have 13 Consular Agencies in Mexico who are available to help our American citizens in Mexico.

Our mission in Mexico is staffed by over three dozen U.S. government agencies, attesting to the many areas of close cooperation between Mexico and the United States. Our dedicated employees work closely with the government of Mexico, the private sector, and civil society on the full range of issues that are profoundly important to both our countries.

Our Principal Officers and their staffs have no greater responsibility than the protection of U.S. citizens overseas, and in Mexico that entails watching out for millions of U.S. citizens residing or visiting here.

At the same time, our consulates are deeply engaged in the full range of our shared interests with Mexico, such as working to expedite commerce and visitors across our borders to foster economic prosperity. They work directly with their counterparts in the government of Mexico to improve our border crossings for legitimate commerce and travel, while denying the transit of weapons, narcotics,

trafficked persons, and other contraband that transnational criminal organizations use to harm both our societies.

To that end, our collaborative efforts to provide security for citizens and communities on both sides of the border through the Merida Initiative remains a central focus of our shared priorities.

Of course, the unique relationship between the U.S. and Mexico is about much more than security. Our two economies and societies are indispensably interlaced, having an immediate and direct impact on tens of millions of our citizens. Over the last two decades the U.S. and Mexico have forged an economic partnership that benefits consumers, workers, farmers, and businesses in both countries. At

present, over $1.25 billion dollars of trade crosses the U.S.-Mexico border each day, providing millions of jobs and resources to people in both nations.

Additionally, the United States is the most important destination for Mexican travelers. Approximately 13.6 million Mexicans traveled to the U.S. last year, and just this past September we celebrated processing over 2 million visa applications this year. Now that’s a landmark in which both our nations should take some pride, as it represents the people-to-people ties that strengthen and enrich our relationship.

Of course, in this context, I need to mention that over 10 million US tourists are expected to visit Mexico this year.

Facilitating the upward trend in travel is a critical component of our work. To this end, our Diplomatic Mission in Mexico is the largest consular operation in the world. And we will continue to make improvements in processing and provide the resources to maintain this vibrant interchange.

Today, our countries are working together to improve our economies and address our security challenges for the improvement of our communities and the lives our citizens. The future security and well-being of our countries is rooted in our efforts to promote prosperity and stability through our shared values of democracy, the rule of law, and open markets. Please take the time to get to know our Principal Officers, I know they are eager to meet and work with you.