US Policymakers Head to Mexico to Discuss Future Bilateral Relations

The U.S. Mexico Foundation partnered with Meridian International Center to bring fifteen policymakers from Washington, DC, to Mexico City in March 2019 for a five-day study tour as part of the U.S. – Mexico 360 Public Diplomacy initiative. The trip is designed to provide a 360-degree view of U.S. – Mexico relations, current affairs and a glimpse into Mexican culture. Delegates are experts in their fields, from a diverse array of think tanks, businesses, non-profits and academia.

During the inaugural trip, the group participated in a variety of meetings, allowing them to take a deep dive into the bilateral relationship between the two countries. Participants met with representatives from the U.S. Embassy in Mexico, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Mexican Business Council, leaders in the nonprofit world and private sector officials. During a tour of the Mexican Senate, the group was recognized from the floor by the President of the Senate, Martí Batres Guadarrama.

Discussions throughout the trip revolved around the future of trade between the U.S. and Mexico, the impact of NAFTA and the impending USMCA, how security concerns are shaping Mexican policy and the people-to-people connections between U.S. and Mexican citizens.

This was the first of three trips to Mexico City that Meridian will organize with the U.S. Mexico Foundation in 2019.