Politics: Mexico pleased with the results of the Sheinbaum-Rubio meeting, but underlying differences remain
The much awaited meeting between Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and U.S. Secretary of State Mark Rubio was finally held in Mexico City on September 3.
It was the highest-level meeting between the two countries since Donald Trump took office seven months ago. The meeting was held in shadow of Mexico’s efforts to consolidate and gain support for its stance on the nature of the relationship between the two countries given ongoing disputes on trade, drug trafficking, and migration.
Sheinbaum’s framework for any talks and/or agreements hinges on 1) the bilateral character of such ties, as opposed to Trump’s unilateral approach; 2) viewing fentanyl and drugs in general as a health question, with the need for the United States to face up to its role in the drug trade and the consumption that fuels it, and 3) insistence on the principles of non-intervention, mutual respect, and collaboration without subordination.
Rubio hailed Mexico’s collaboration with its northern neighbor and the achievements thus far obtained. The formation of an “implementation group” was announced, to ensure, monitor and provide follow-up to joint operations and other forms of collaboration. Yet major differences remain, even if they were not explicitly raised at last week’s meeting. Indeed, there is nothing to indicate that the hawks in the White House are inclined to change their critical evaluation of Mexico and Sheinbaum. These differences, which lie not very far beneath the surface, include 1) Trump’s view that the drug cartels control Mexico or at least significant parts of the country; 2) Washington’s insistence that high-level Mexican politicians are in league with the drug cartels and must be brought to justice; 3) the U.S. view that its military intervention might be needed inside Mexico against the cartels, which are now labeled “terrorist organizations” and must be fought as such; and 4) Mexico’s staunch non-interventionist and anti-imperialist stance, including, and especially, its support for Cuba and Venezuela, which is a permanent thorn in the side of U.S. policy in the region.
For the time being, Sheinbaum is basking in the apparent, if minimal, success of the meeting and is enjoying massive support on the home front on any and all differences with the United States. The future, however, remains uncertain given ongoing differences and counter-posed ideological approaches, political policies and political priorities.
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