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Mexico’s President Andrés Manuel López Obrador in Washington to meet with counterpart Joe Biden

Mexico City, Mexico — On Monday, Mexico’s President Andrés Manuel López Obrador left Mexico City to visit his counterpart, Joe Biden in the U.S. Prior to his departure, AMLO said that while in Washington, he will discuss inflation and security matters as well as promote proposals for attention to the migratory issues from Mexico and Central America.

“You know what our proposal is: we do not want migration to be forced. We want migration to be optional and legal. Organize the migratory flow, legalize it, that an agreement be reached, legalize it both for those who are already there, who work honestly, live in the United States, contribute to the development of that great nation, and those who, out of necessity, have to go to the United States,” he explained.

During his Tuesday meeting with President Biden, AMLO will propose bilateral measures to control inflation. He says he is seeking an agreement with the US president to deal with the economic ravages that both nations have suffered in the face of worldwide inflation.

“It is a global issue and we can close ranks and work an agreement to control inflation in the United States and Mexico with bilateral measures.”

AMLO says that the control of the migratory flow is closely linked to the solution to the economic crisis, which would oroginate in “the lack of manpower”. Given this, he reiterated the need to legalize the hiring of migrants in the United States.

“If we want to face the economic crisis we have to produce (…) Inflation, structurally, has to do with the lack of production. So, how are things produced if there is no labor force? Why deny that workers are needed?” he said.

AMLO said historically, Mexico and the United States maintain a good economic relationship as neighbors.

“We have a very important economic relationship. We are the United States’ second largest trading partner in the world. We are talking about a constant, permanent commercial exchange and in addition, due to the current economic crisis, due to inflation, Mexico is a country with many opportunities for investment.”

The topic of security is also on his agenda. He maintained that there is cooperation in the matter and a shift in policy by not allowing the entry of weapons from the United States.

On Tuesday morning, President López Obrador said he will share a working breakfast with Vice President Kamala Harris. In addition, he will participate in activities honoring Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Martin Luther King.

Meanwhile, Dr. Beatriz Gutiérrez Müller, his wife, will speak with the First Lady of the United States, Jill Biden, on academic matters.

AMLO’s last visit to the U.S. was in November of 2021 when the pair met for a bilateral meeting.