US-Mexico new security framework to mark 'new chapter' in cooperation: Antony Blinken

US and Mexico on Friday, 8 October, discussed a new joint security plan, which US Secretary of State Antony Blinken described as beginning of a “new chapter” in security cooperation between two nations. After concluding US-Mexico High-Level Security Dialogue, two nations agreed to end Merida Initiative and launch a new alliance dubbed as Bicentennial Framework for Security, Public Health and Safe Communities.

"It’s time for a comprehensive approach to our security cooperation, one that will see us as equal partners in defining our shared priorities, tackle root drivers of se challenges like inequity, like corruption and focus t only on strengning law enforcement, but also public health, rule of law, inclusive ecomic opportunities,” Blinken said.

While speaking at a press conference, Mexican Foreign Affairs Minister Marcelo Ebrard, explained difference between two programmes. He said that Merida Initiative was only focused on capturing major drug lords in Mexico with IS backing, while new initiative is “more complex”. Ebrard said, “Today we have a common strategy that is more complex”. He ded that new programme will focus more on reducing overall diction rates and generating job opportunities for youth. 

“ first substantive difference is that Merida Initiative was, from point of view of Mexico, focused on sis that cartel capos h to be captured and that was sufficient,” Ebrard said.

“w y see that wasn’t eugh, that attention must be paid to expanding opportunities for youth and treating diction,” he said, ding, “ success of this is going to be measured in fewer homicides in Mexico and less drug consumption.”

‘New chapter’ in US-Mexico cooperation 

According to Xinhua, bilateral dialogue between two nations ended with a joint declaration, which covered issues including public health protection, prevention of cross-border crime, reducing arms trafficking, as well as dismantling of criminal networks. During press briefing, Blinken ackwledged that Mexico and US face a “complex” security situation, however, he also said that latest initiative will dress several challenges and will mark a “new chapter”.

“We need to deal with violence, dismantle transnational criminal organizations and focus on prevention with goal of creating conditions for a culture of peace, while we work hand-in-hand to dress fundamental causes of crime,” joint statement said.

(With inputs from AP)