A Shared Vision for North America

Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, US President Joe Biden and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau agreed to strengthen their economic and trade relations during the North American Leaders Summit (NALS), where economy, migration, drug trafficking, clean energy and regional well-being were the major topics discussed. The three mandataries agreed on the creation of a joint committee that will focus on import substitution in North America, while making development, cooperation and well-being a reality for all the countries of the continent. 

The US, Canada and Mexico will each propose four members for the formation of this group of 12 specialists who, in addition to being experts in the subject matter, will have the mandataries’ absolute confidence to motivate, persuade and convince businesspeople, workers and public servants of the three governments of the importance and transcendence of uniting North America and the entire American continent.

“The reason for this summit, and this trilateral relationship, is that we share a common vision for the future around common values,” stated President Biden. The region is working together to tackle the biggest challenges facing the region and the world and this is more important now than ever because, in a world that is so connected, everyone shares the problems. We are stronger and better when we work together, the three of us, and together we have made enormous progress since our last Summit. From fighting COVID-19 to investing and building a 21-century workforce,” said Biden. 

All three countries are working together to build the region’s future by strengthening operations related to supply chains and critical minerals. “As a continent, we are unique. We are large democracies committed to freedom, human rights, equality and creating real opportunities for everyone,” stated Trudeau. The North American region is home to half a billion people, with an extraordinarily strong innovation ecosystem and a combined GDP more prominent than the EU, highlighted the prime minister. “Now we have a better deal, which shows that we are, and always will be, stronger together,” added Trudeau.

On migratory matters, Biden addressed the strain on Mexican and American communities, which the region is working to resolve, while protecting the human rights of migrants facing desperate circumstances. “The migration issue, like others, was discussed at length and important agreements were reached between the three countries for the benefit of our peoples, as you will be able to see in a joint release that will be delivered to you immediately,” stated López Obrador. 

All the leaders at the event emphasized how hard and necessary it is to work for the well-being of the region’s citizens and to create a North American economy “that works for everyone,” as Trudeau put it. “Canada is also pleased to see all three countries take steps toward building a more diverse, equal and inclusive society. A society where there are opportunities for everyone and where women and girls are politically and economically empowered, including indigenous women and girls.” 

Energy was another of Prime Minister Trudeau’s main points to discuss with President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. However, this issue was removed from the agenda, according to Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard. Still, the bilateral meeting between López Obrador and Justin Trudeau is still pending and will take place tomorrow.