Mexican President-elect Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador says he'll push for anti-poverty programs in meeting with members of the U.S. Cabinet.
MEXICO CITY — Last week, Gov. Doug Ducey confirmed he is attending the inauguration of Mexico’s new president. A group of leaders from Phoenix, including interim mayor Thelda Williams, plans to be there as well.
The U.S. Embassy in Mexico also confirmed that President Donald Trump’s daughter Ivanka Trump and Vice President Mike Pence will attend, along with Secretary of Energy Rick Perry and Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen.
Arizona and Phoenix will have large delegations visiting Mexico City for the inauguration of Andrés Manuel López Obrador on Saturday.
“It’s a moment to reaffirm Phoenix’s interests with Mexico to increase collaboration, in trade and in foreign investment,” said José Andrés García, the city of Phoenix trade representative in Mexico City.
The Phoenix delegation includes Glenn Hamer from the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Todd Sanders from the Greater Phoenix Chamber and Kim Sabow from the Arizona Lodging and Tourism Association.
García said the presence of the Phoenix group is not only relevant during Mexico’s transition, but also to the upcoming city’s election in 2019.
“Phoenix and its intentions to increase relations with Mexico do not have a direct dependence on any political shifts, or even transitions, different administrations coming in or out,” García said.
The Phoenix group will hold meetings with entering trade and tourism officers from the Mexican federal government and from the new government of Mexico City, García explained. They also expect to meet with Ducey and the new Mexican secretary of foreign affairs, Marcelo Ebrard, as well as with other visitors coming from the U.S.
According to García, the incoming Mexican administration is putting high priority on the country’s relationship with the U.S.
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