Mexico, U.S. to strengthen cooperation on border trade, security

MEXICO CITY, March 27 (Xinhua)-- U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen reached agreements with Mexican officials on strengthening bilateral cooperation on economic and national security issues during her two-day visit to Mexico on Monday and Tuesday.

Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto and Nielsen reached consensus on "the need to face common challenges in terms of security in a coordinated manner and with full respect for the sovereignty of both countries," said a statement released on Tuesday by the president's office following his meeting with the U.S. secretary at Los Pinos, his official residence in central Mexico City.

The president's office also said the priority of the Mexican government is to ensure "that the rights of Mexicans in the United States are respected," adding that Pena Nieto has been very clear about Mexico's stance concerning the interests of its citizens in its northern neighbor.

They also spoke "about the importance of maintaining a respectful, frank and constant dialogue," as well as the potential for the common border to be an area of opportunity, exchanges and meetings, the statement said.

Mexican Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray also attended the meeting, who met with Nielsen on Monday to revise bilateral agenda and sign three agreements on improving bilateral customs procedures and expediting the flow of agricultural produce across their almost 2,000-mile (3,220-km) border.

During her trip, Nielsen recognized that the United States and Mexico need to cooperate to improve their bilateral relations, and tackle challenges such as organized crimes, illegal drug trade and gun sales. Enditem