Mexico, Brownsville bond

Mexico's Secretary of Foreign Relations, Patricia Espinosa Cantellano, capped a trip to New Mexico and Texas in Brownsville Tuesday, commemorating the 150th anniversary of the first consulate office from Mexico in this city.

The site of the event was the Stillman House Museum on Washington Street where Espinosa was joined by Mexico's Consul Victor Manuel Treviño Escudero and local and area dignitaries as the Mexican Flag was raised.

Espinosa noted that it was only fitting that the commemoration be in the heart of the historic community and expressed the strong ties that have joined Mexico and the U.S. for years.

Espinosa reiterated her country's commitment to improving the border zone, an area of "great challenges" and "great opportunities."

And despite economic difficulties both in Mexico and the U.S., Espinosa said that the border continues to be "vital and dynamic."

Espinosa said that problems both countries share are not ignored and she stressed the commitments that have been forged in - the fight against drug trafficking, money laundering and arms dealing. "This is a common threat and common enemy," Espinosa said of organized criminal organizations.

Noting that the presidents of Mexico and the U.S. have met twice already, Espinosa said that this is reflective of their priorities.

She voiced Mexico's opposition to the border fence between the U.S. and Mexico and said that Mexico would continue to insist on other alternatives.

She also expressed confidence that U.S. leaders would advance an equitable immigration policy.

eperez-trevino@brownsvilleherald.com