Biden meets with Mexican president in hopes of three-way fentanyl cooperation
President Biden to Meet with Mexican President Lopez Obrador in San Francisco
President Joe Biden is set to meet with Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador in San Francisco, California, on Friday as part of his busy week at the 2023 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.
Discussing Future Cooperation on Fentanyl Crisis a Top Priority
U.S. and Mexican officials have emphasized that addressing the fentanyl crisis will be a key focus for the leaders during their meeting. This comes after Chinese President Xi Jinping held separate meetings with both Biden and Lopez Obrador.
Fentanyl Crisis in the United States
Fentanyl overdose deaths in the United States have skyrocketed, more than tripling since 2016, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In 2022 alone, out of the 107,081 drug overdose deaths, over two-thirds were attributed to fentanyl and other synthetic opioids.
Efforts to Combat the Opioid Epidemic
The Biden administration has taken steps to address the opioid epidemic, primarily focusing on intercepting illicit drugs at the southern border. President Biden recently requested $1.2 billion from Congress to expand inspection systems and hire additional Customs and Border Protection agents specifically to target fentanyl at both illegal border crossings and legal ports of entry.
Differing Approaches to the Fentanyl Crisis
However, Mexican President Lopez Obrador has taken what experts consider a “regressive” approach to tackling the fentanyl crisis. He views drug use as a “moral failing” and even shut down a factory that produced a separate drug to aid opioid addicts earlier this year.
Collaboration with China and Mexico
During their meetings, President Biden and President Xi agreed to address the issue of Chinese companies illegally shipping fentanyl precursors to Mexico. While the details of the agreement have not been confirmed, reports suggest that Biden may be willing to ease restrictions on the Institute of Forensic Science, a Chinese police organization involved in the persecution of Uyghur Muslims.
Both China and Mexico have been working to strengthen their trade relationship, and their respective readouts of the Xi-AMLO meeting indicate a commitment to cooperating on combating fentanyl trafficking.
Strained Relationship between Biden and Lopez Obrador
Publicly, the relationship between President Biden and Mexican President Lopez Obrador has become increasingly tense since 2021. They have frequently clashed in the media regarding operations at the U.S. southern border, with Biden criticizing Lopez Obrador’s handling of the fentanyl crisis, the murder of journalists in Mexico, and the influence of powerful drug cartels.
Expectations for the Meeting
U.S. officials anticipate that Biden and Lopez Obrador will discuss strategies to combat fentanyl trafficking in conjunction with addressing human smuggling, as both issues are interconnected with cartel activities.
San Francisco’s Fentanyl Crisis
The meeting in San Francisco serves as a stark reminder of the escalating fentanyl crisis in the United States. The city has experienced a rise in crime and homelessness driven by addiction. San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins has made prosecuting drug dealers a top priority, while Mayor London Breed has focused on mental health solutions and requested federal assistance for local law enforcement.
Controversy Surrounding Governor Newsom
California Governor Gavin Newsom, a close ally of President Biden and a potential future presidential candidate, has faced criticism for clearing out homeless camps in the city ahead of the arrival of Lopez Obrador, Xi, and other Asian leaders. Newsom defended the action, stating that it was part of ongoing efforts to address the issue.
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What specific strategies can be implemented to disrupt the production and distribution networks of fentanyl?
And suspected of playing a role in the fentanyl trade. Experts believe that increasing collaboration with China and Mexico will be crucial in combating the fentanyl crisis.
Importance of the Meeting
The meeting between President Biden and President Lopez Obrador holds significant importance as it provides an opportunity for both leaders to discuss and coordinate efforts in addressing the fentanyl crisis. Collaboration between the United States and Mexico is essential due to the significant role that Mexico plays as a transit and production hub for illicit drugs, including fentanyl, destined for the United States.
Proposed Agenda
The agenda for the meeting is expected to include discussions on various topics related to the fentanyl crisis, including increased cooperation and information sharing between the two countries’ law enforcement agencies. Additionally, the leaders are likely to discuss strategies to disrupt the production and distribution networks of fentanyl and other illicit drugs. Other areas of cooperation may include treatment and prevention efforts, border security, and combating organized crime groups involved in the drug trade.
Conclusion
The upcoming meeting between President Biden and President Lopez Obrador in San Francisco marks an important step in addressing the fentanyl crisis that has plagued both countries. By focusing on collaboration and cooperation, the leaders can leverage their respective resources and expertise to combat the illegal production and distribution of fentanyl. This meeting demonstrates a commitment from both leaders to work together to protect their citizens’ health and safety from the devastating effects of the fentanyl epidemic. It is hoped that through joint efforts, progress can be made in curbing the fentanyl crisis and saving lives on both sides of the border.
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