MEXICO CITY, July 13 (Xinhua) -- Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto on Friday shared his concerns with visiting U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo regarding the U.S. policy of separating migrant families on the U.S.-Mexico border.
During the meeting at the Mexican president's official residence Los Pinos, Pena Nieto requested "the rapid reunification of families separated at the border and stressed the need to find a permanent alternative that prioritizes the health and rights of minors."
In a statement, the president also expressed his "concerns over events like the attack in California of a 92-year-old Mexican citizen with legal U.S. residence," noting that "events like these feed a climate of racism and hate which we must avoid."
The meeting lasted just over 40 minutes with Pompeo being accompanied by Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin, Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen, and son-in-law and advisor to U.S. President Donald Trump, Jared Kushner.
The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) was discussed, with the statement noting that the sides "agreed to continue the renegotiation of NAFTA in a constructive manner" and that the president had made clear his government's disposition of "concluding renegotiations as quickly as possible."
The statement also said that Mexico recognizes the U.S. government's interest in creating a high-level dialogue during the government transition in Mexico.
Pompeo will spend less than 24 hours in Mexico to meet with both Pena Nieto and president-elect Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.
Pompeo will also hold a meeting with Mexican Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray.
