WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement regarding the presidential election results in Mexico.
“I congratulate the Mexican people for turning out in historic numbers to exercise their most fundamental democratic right. I look forward to working with President-Elect Lopez Obrador to more closely cooperate on issues pertinent to the well-being of both nations, including combatting graft, protecting human rights, and upholding the rule of law.
“Now more than ever, the United States needs to strengthen our relationship with Mexico, a partnership nurtured by shared history, common values, and joint security and economic interests. Instead of antagonizing our neighbor by insisting that Mexico pay for a border wall, we need to invest in our continued security cooperation. Instead of criminalizing asylum seekers and tearing children away from their parents at the border, we need to work with Mexico and Central America to address the root causes of forced migration. Instead of insulting Mexicans through tweets, we need to recommit to an enduring partnership based on mutual respect.
“To do this, we urgently need a U.S. Ambassador to Mexico – a position that has been vacant for nearly two months. At this critical moment of transition for the Mexican people, President Trump must nominate a qualified diplomat that can advance this relationship with one of our closest economic and security partners.”
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