The Mexican government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs ( SRE ), responded to US President Donald Trump’s comments on the country’s violence rates.
“With Mexico being one of the highest crime Nations in the world, we must have THE WALL. Mexico will pay for it through reimbursement/other,” the US president tweeted.
With Mexico being one of the highest crime Nations in the world, we must have THE WALL. Mexico will pay for it through reimbursement/other.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 27, 2017
The SRE made it known that “as the Mexican government has always maintained, our country will not pay, under any circumstances, for a wall or physical barrier that is built on US territory along the border with Mexico. This determination is not part of a Mexican negotiating strategy, but a principle of national sovereignty and dignity.”
Regarding the violence generated in Mexico by the illicit traffic in drugs, arms and money between our countries, the president of the United States was reminded that “it is a shared problem that will only end if its root causes are treated: high demand for drugs in the United States.”
He acknowledged that international criminal organizations have killed thousands of Mexicans, including members of the Armed Forces and police, and thousands of Americans. “Only on the basis of the principles of shared responsibility, teamwork and mutual trust can we overcome this challenge.”
Regarding Mexico’s position at the renegotiation table of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), it was indicated that it would continue “to be serious and constructive, always putting national interest ahead” and seeking a result where the three North American countries win.
“Mexico will not negotiate NAFTA, nor any other aspect of the bilateral relationship through social networks or the media.”