Mexico and the U.S. agreed on Thursday to bolster cooperation in addressing shared security challenges, including drug and arms trafficking.
The accord happened during their third annual High-Level Security Dialogue.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken led the American team. In a press conference, he praised the robust ties between the nations.
Yet, he highlighted the need for a comprehensive approach to unprecedented challenges.
Blinken pointed out a “shared responsibility” for the U.S. opioid crisis. Synthetic drugs are the leading cause of death for Americans between 18 and 49 years.
Mexico’s Rosa Icela Rodríguez spoke next. She said both sides would intensify synthetic drug prevention efforts.
Campaigns will focus on fentanyl and target the youth to prevent addiction.
“We act for our peoples’ health,” Rodríguez stated. Contrary to some claims, she clarified that Mexico serves as a fentanyl transit country, not a producer.
Rodríguez emphasized joint pursuits against criminal groups. These organizations engage in drug smuggling, arms flow to Mexico, and human trafficking.
“Our united work aims to bring back peace to our communities,” she added.
This point gains significance due to a rise in irregular migration from Central and South America to the U.S.
The Security Dialogue is part of the Bicentennial Understanding. This pact was adopted in 2021 to combat organized crime jointly.
Other U.S. attendees included Alejandro Mayorkas, Merrick Garland, and Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall.
They represented Homeland Security, the Justice Department, and the White House.
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