MEXICO CITY (AP) - Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum reported having a "very good conversation" with U.S. President Donald Trump regarding bilateral cooperation on security issues, particularly concerning drug cartels. The 15-minute call took place on a Monday, shortly after Sheinbaum had expressed her desire for a dialogue with the Trump administration, coinciding with Trump's recent statements about taking action against cartels in Mexico.
During the call, Trump reiterated his willingness to utilize U.S. military forces to confront drug cartels, an option Sheinbaum has consistently rejected. She stated that Mexico can effectively handle its own security matters and emphasized the importance of respecting her country's sovereignty. "So far, it's going very well; it's not necessary, and furthermore, there is Mexico's sovereignty and territorial integrity," Sheinbaum told reporters, confirming that this point was understood by Trump.
The recent escalation in U.S. rhetoric regarding drug cartels comes in the wake of the U.S. government's actions in Venezuela, where President Nicolás Maduro was removed from power. In a Fox News interview, Trump claimed that "97% of the drugs coming in by water" had been intercepted and announced plans to focus on land-based operations against the cartels. He characterized the growing influence of cartels as "very sad to watch," reinforcing the urgency of the issue from the U.S. perspective.
Following the call between Sheinbaum and Trump, Mexico's Foreign Affairs Secretary Juan Ramón de la Fuente engaged in discussions with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Rubio emphasized the need for "tangible results" and an increase in cooperation to dismantle the drug cartels. Sheinbaum responded by highlighting Mexico's achievements, including a significant decline in homicides and a reduction in U.S. fentanyl seizures and related overdose deaths.
Despite ongoing discussions, experts suggest that U.S. military intervention in Mexico remains unlikely, as Mexico is fulfilling its commitments to the U.S. and is a vital economic partner. Nevertheless, Trump is expected to continue pressuring Mexico through rhetoric as he seeks to ensure more action against drug cartel activities.
During the call, topics such as Cuba were not addressed, even though Trump had recently threatened consequences for the island nation. Mexico is a crucial ally for Cuba, particularly in providing oil supplies, which are crucial given the Trump administration's decision to halt further oil shipments from Venezuela to Cuba.
Through this exchange of dialogue, both leaders have committed to maintaining cooperation, with Sheinbaum asserting the importance of mutual agreements in addressing issues surrounding drug cartels and security.
