Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Mexican Foreign Secretary Alicia Bárcena on July 17, 2024, to reaffirm the importance of the U.S.-Mexico relationship for the shared security and prosperity of both nations. The meeting was reported by Spokesperson Matthew Miller.
"The Secretary congratulated Foreign Secretary Bárcena on her appointment as Mexico’s Environment and Natural Resources Secretary-designate for President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration."
Blinken emphasized the commitment to work closely with Mexico's incoming administration as equal partners to advance shared democratic values and interests. He thanked Bárcena for Mexico's continued regional leadership in expanding labor pathways and taking concrete steps to deter irregular migration. These efforts, along with actions by the United States, have significantly reduced encounters at the U.S.-Mexico border.
The discussion also covered upcoming elections in Venezuela, the situation in Haiti, and joint efforts to counter transnational criminal organizations involved in illicit trafficking of drugs, guns, and people.
