At the 81st General Assembly of the United Nations on September 25, 2026, Mexican Secretary of Foreign Affairs Roberto Velasco defended the nation’s sovereignty and outlined major security and social milestones. Velasco stated that Mexico has demonstrated a country can cooperate closely with partners while fully asserting its sovereignty, directly responding to remarks made days earlier by U.S. President Donald Trump, who accused Mexico of being the epicenter of cartel violence.
During his address at the international organization’s headquarters in New York, Velasco emphasized that Mexico’s foreign policy relies on the peaceful resolution of controversies and the prohibition of the threat or use of force. “Creemos en la igualdad jurídica de los Estados porque la soberanía no se mide en ejércitos ni en recursos materiales,” Velasco declared, adding that territorial integrity must be respected. His statements came after U.S. President Donald Trump took the same international stage on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, to criticize the administration of Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, claiming that the U.S. shares a 2 mil millas (unos 3 mil 220 kilómetros) border with a territory controlled by enemy cartels and demanding that Mexico recover control.
Did You Know?
During his address at the 81st UN General Assembly, Mexican Foreign Secretary Roberto Velasco highlighted that in just 22 months, homicides in Mexico decreased by roughly 50%.
Security Strategy and Social Progress
Velasco framed Mexico’s security advances around the principle that peace cannot be decreed or imposed, but must be built through social justice. The foreign minister detailed that the government’s approach rests on four distinct pillars: respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, shared and differentiated responsibility, mutual respect and trust, and cooperation without subordination.
In addition to security metrics, Velasco pointed to broader social transformations intended to generate shared well-being and competitiveness. Outlets covering the assembly noted that between 2018 and 2024, more people exited poverty, accompanied by historic lows in labor poverty by 2025 and welfare programs reaching individuals by 2026. Velasco also underscored that the minimum wage has accumulated a real increase of 154 percent since 2018, demonstrating that better compensation strengthens rather than harms economies.
Multilateralism, Regional Diplomacy, and International Stances
Beyond domestic policy, Velasco used the United Nations forum to voice Mexico’s positions on key global conflicts and geopolitical alliances. The foreign minister reiterated that Mexico formally recognizes the State of Palestine, supporting its people’s right to live in peace within secure and recognized borders. He reaffirmed solidarity with Cuba, condemning the ongoing economic embargo and unilateral measures that contradict the United Nations Charter, and confirmed that Mexico will continue sending humanitarian aid to the island population.
Velasco also advocated for a reformed United Nations better equipped to fulfill its foundational mandate of preserving humanity from armed conflict, noting that “también en las Naciones Unidas es tiempo de mujeres.” He stressed that international law must continually prevail over force, civilian populations must be protected, and regional differences must be resolved through dialogue and concertation extending beyond the Western Hemisphere to ties with Asia, Africa, and Europe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What event served as the backdrop for these diplomatic statements?
The statements were delivered during the 81st General Assembly of the United Nations in New York, which took place in September 2026.
What specific security figures did Mexican officials report at the UN?
What was the primary criticism raised by the United States?
U.S. President Donald Trump accused Mexico of being the epicenter of cartel violence and drug trafficking, demanding that the Mexican government recover full control of its territory along their shared border.
What are your thoughts on how international forums influence bilateral security and sovereignty debates between neighboring nations?