Threat of US military intervention overshadows Trump and Sheinbaum's first meeting

"In the year since Donald Trump returned to office, there hasn't been a single face-to-face meeting between the U.S. president and the Mexican president, Claudia Sheinbaum. Neither the trade war, nor immigration policy, nor even the specter of the fentanyl crisis or the security agenda have led to a meeting between the two leaders. In the end, it is soccer the draw for next year's World Cup that will bring the neighboring leaders together for their first face-to-face meeting."

"The U.S. president has constantly criticized Mexico, and even raised the possibility of a military intervention in Mexican territory to combat organized crime. This threat has put Mexican authorities on edge and tested the limits of the relationship between the two North American partners. After nearly two dozen calls, letters, and a handful of allusions and veiled references, Sheinbaum and Trump will finally meet face-to-face this Friday. The review of the free trade agreement with the United States and Canada (USMCA) will also be on the agenda, as Sheinbaum herself announced."

"At Thursday's morning press conference, she reiterated that Mexico defends its sovereignty. We have an understanding: non-intervention, cooperation without subordination, and the sovereignty of our territories. Sheinbaum's response to Trump's attacks has been firm. Mexico will accept the exchange of intelligence information, as has been happening for months, but that in no way implies opening the door to U.S. operations on Mexican soil. It's not that we don't want support, but not with foreign troops, the"

Claudia Sheinbaum will meet briefly with Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney ahead of the World Cup draw, marking the first in-person meeting between the Mexican and U.S. presidents since Trump returned to office. Multiple policy areas including trade, immigration, fentanyl and security have not produced a bilateral face-to-face encounter until this soccer-related event. The meeting occurs amid tensions after Trump suggested possible military intervention in Mexico to combat organized crime, prompting Mexican concern and testing bilateral limits. The USMCA review will be discussed, and Mexico insists on defending its sovereignty and non-intervention.

Read at english.elpais.com