Washington DC, 15 March 2023 (TDI): The United States (US) Secretary of State, Antony J. Blinken recently spoke with the Foreign Secretary of Mexico, Marcelo Ebrard to discuss security cooperation, including citizen security.
.@SecBlinken spoke with Foreign Secretary @m_ebrard today on U.S.-Mexico security cooperation, including citizen security, and commended Mexico’s close collaboration in disrupting the synthetic drugs supply chain. https://t.co/BWceLciOOP
— Ned Price (@StateDeptSpox) March 14, 2023
The recent kidnapping of four US citizens in Matamoros, which resulted in the tragic deaths of two US citizens and one Mexican citizen was also brought to the fore.
We extend our deepest condolences to the loved ones of the deceased, following the abduction of four U.S. citizens on March 3 in Matamoros, Mexico. We thank our Mexican and U.S. law enforcement partners for their efforts to recover these innocent victims. pic.twitter.com/7b09pLyMAs
— Ned Price (@StateDeptSpox) March 7, 2023
During the call, US Secretary also expressed his deep condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims. Furthermore, he underscored the United States’ commitment to supporting Mexico in its efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The two leaders also endorsed the need for joint efforts to enhance security cooperation and disrupt the illicit drug trade, including precursor chemicals used to manufacture fentanyl and other synthetic drugs.
In the same vein, Secretary Blinken emphasized that security cooperation remains a top priority for the United States and stressed the importance of working together to protect their communities from criminal networks.
Moreover, both leaders also discussed the recent visit of a high-level US delegation to Mexico, led by White House Homeland Security Advisor Dr. Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall.
This visit was focused on strengthening law enforcement and citizen security to disrupt the synthetic drug supply chain and reduce the risks of consuming synthetic drugs.
In a nutshell, Secretary Blinken ensured that the United States stands with Mexico in its fight against crime and violence and remains committed to working together to preserve the safety and security of its citizens.
To conclude, the Secretary of the US and Foreign Secretary Ebrard agreed to continue their close cooperation on these critical issues and to stay in regular communication as both countries work to address the shared challenges being faced by them.
Background of Bicentennial Framework
For the record, the leaders of Mexico, the United States, and Canada have committed to working together to stop the production and trafficking of illicit drugs like fentanyl.
They have also pledged to prevent the trafficking of weapons and people across their shared border.
To follow through on this commitment, the US and Mexico announced the launch of the second phase of the Bicentennial Framework, which will increase cooperation to combat the production and trafficking of illicit drugs, including fentanyl.
Under this framework, the two governments will work together to target key nodes in the synthetic drug supply chain and share criminal intelligence. They will also begin a new public health campaign to reduce the risks of consuming fentanyl and other drugs.
To mention, the Bicentennial Framework is a long-term partnership between the United States and Mexico focused on security, public health, and safe communities.
It is designed to coordinate actions and improve cooperation between the two countries to combat transnational organized crimes.
The framework was launched in 2010 to commemorate the bicentennial of Mexico’s independence and the centennial of the Mexican Revolution.
