Mexico will defend investments and won’t pay for wall: Peña Nieto

At the XXVIII Meeting with Ambassadors and Consuls of Mexico, he outlined the four axes that should be established in any relationship with the new U.S. government and stressed that “at no time will we accept anything against our dignity as a country or our dignity as Mexicans “.

“Basic principles such as our sovereignty, national interests and the protection of the nationals are not negotiable,” he emphasized during the meeting held in the Treasury Hall of the National Palace, Notimex reported.

He said that they must work in a co-responsible way to curb the trafficking of weapons and resources from the United States to criminal organizations in Mexico, as well as the protection of compatriots in the American Union.

“We will negotiate with confidence in our strengths and with practicality,” said the president, adding that the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) will seek agreements that give certainty to trade and investment among the countries that comprise it.

He said that one of the main challenges of this year is the relationship that Mexico will have with the new president of that country, Donald Trump, with which “we obviously have some differences, such as the theme of the wall, which Mexico of course will not pay”.

He said that Mexico will have “a good relationship with the United States and its president, which will be good for Mexico and Mexicans,” and the world will see a country that with boldness and patriotism will value dialogue and understanding.

With regard to NAFTA, he declared himself to reach agreements that give certainty to trade and its benefits to companies that have chosen Mexico as a destination, as well as defending the investments of domestic and foreign companies so that the country remains a reliable destination to invest.

He also referred to the increase in investments in infrastructure and technology to make the borders more modern, safe and efficient; as well as the free flow of remittances from Mexicans in the United States, in the order of $24 billion dollars, on which the livelihoods of thousands of families depend.

Prior to a toast with members of the Mexican Foreign Service and with the presence of the Minister General of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD, for its acronym in Spanish), José Ángel Gurría, Peña Nieto added that the government will work to continue the scheme of free trade and productive integration between the three countries of the region.

At the ceremony attended by the Ministers of National Defense and Navy, Salvador Cienfuegos and Vidal Francisco Soberón Sanz, the president stressed that the presence in Latin America and the Caribbean will be strengthened and will increase the rapprochement with countries such as Brazil and Argentina.

Following a private meeting with the diplomats, Peña Nieto indicated that special attention will be given to updating the free trade agreement with the European Union, which could materialize in the next 12 months, and promote the insertion of Mexico in the region of Asia Pacific, the most economically dynamic.

He also called for capitalizing on his visit to Middle East countries earlier this year and taking advantage of cooperation agreements to attract investment and for Mexican companies to access countries in the region.

He said that the presence will increase and will take advantage of the opportunities of trade, investment and cooperation with Africa, a continent with which Mexico practically has no relations.

Source: notimex.gob.mx