The U.S. President, Donald Trump have asked his Mexican counterpart Enrique Pena Nieto to commit to paying for the US-Mexican border before he can visit him. He made this statement on Thursday via his twitter handle.
“The U.S. has a 60 billion dollar trade deficit with Mexico. It has been a one-sided deal from the beginning of NAFTA with massive numbers… of jobs and companies lost.
The U.S. has a 60 billion dollar trade deficit with Mexico. It has been a one-sided deal from the beginning of NAFTA with massive numbers…
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 26, 2017
The Mexican President, Enrique Pena Nieto is billed to travel to Washington on Jan. 31 to meet with President Trump.
Trump went on to tweet that if Mexico refuses to pay for the border wall then its President should cancel his visit to Washington.
of jobs and companies lost. If Mexico is unwilling to pay for the badly needed wall, then it would be better to cancel the upcoming meeting.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 26, 2017
Earlier today, Mexican President said that the country would not pay for the wall or physical barrier that is to be erected by the U.S. along its border.
In a message to the Nation, he lamented the plans for the wall saying that Mexico as a nation does not believe in walls.
Recall that U.S. President, Donald Trump signed an executive order for an “impassable physical barrier” and insisted that Mexico would pay back the Money used to build it.
The Mexican President who did not mention cancelling the trip however insisted that the country would not pay as it does not believe in walls.
“I have said time and again; Mexico won’t pay for any wall.
“It comes as our country is talking on new rules on cooperation, trade, investment, security and migration in the North American region.
“As president I assume the complete responsibility to defend the interests of Mexico and Mexicans.
“Based on a final report by the functionaries in Washington DC and advice from the chamber of commerce, governors, and so on, I will decide the right next steps to take.
“Mexico offers its friendship to the American people and its willingness to reach accords with their government: agreements that will be in favour of both Mexico and the US.”