Mexico and the United States celebrate 200 years of diplomatic relations
CALEXICO — Despite a physical border separating the United States and Mexico, they are intertwined with culture, communities, and stories which were celebrated during the Bicentennial of Diplomatic Relations between Mexico and the United States on Monday, December 12 here at Rodney Auditorium a San Diego State University Imperial Valley.
The 200 year anniversary of diplomatic relations between Mexico and the United States was marked by remakes by SDSU-IV Dean Guillermina “Gina” Núñez-Mchiri, PhD, and Tarcisio Navarrete Montes de Oca, Consul of the Mexican Consulate in Calexico.
Núñez-Mchiri acknowledged her Mexican-American identity and shared her pride in being the first Mexican-woman dean in 125 years of the institution.
“We recognize the importance of migration to nurture a zone, the importance of education to prepare a town for challenges with resiliency,” Núñez-Mchiri said in Spanish.
Navarrete Montes de Oca gave welcoming remarks about the binational symbiotic relationship between the two countries, noting how Mexico contributes to the United States economy and culture.
“We will keep building bridges, strengthening relations in both countries and we have achieved advancements through cooperation,” Navarrete Montes de Oca said, “because if we prosper we are stronger to face the challenges of the border.”
During the ceremony, the consulate showed a video highlighting the services they offer to Mexicans abroad, such as consular services, health and education programs, and cultural activities.
The U.S. Embassy in Mexico at Washington, D.C., sent a video celebrating this milestone anniversary in diplomatic relations. The video highlighted the history behind the binational relationship that started with U.S. President Abraham Lincoln and his Mexican counterpart, President Benito Juárez.
Calexico Mayor Javier Moreno said the Mexican Consulate has worked for decades on prioritizing the human rights of migrants and international protections.
The event’s final remarks were given by County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jesus Eduardo Escobar.
“Let’s have an open line of communication,” Escobar said, “so in 200 years this is a 400 years celebration, and we can see a transcendental change in our community.”
Imperial Valley native artist, Yahir “El Choco” Garduño, performed a Mexican regional song “No me hace falta nada”, to close out the 200-anniversary celebration.