U.S., Mexico to restart high-level economic talks for first time in 5 years

Sept. 3 (UPI) -- The United States and Mexico will resume high-level economic talks next week after they have been dormant for more than four years, officials said Friday.

The White House said the U.S.-Mexico High-Level Economic Dialogue will begin on Sept. 9 and will focus on shared economic priorities, including immigration.

Then-Vice President Joe Biden launched the HLED talks in 2013 as a White House initiative intended to increase competition and spur economic activity in both nations. The talks were shelved by former President Donald Trump.

"[The dialogue] advances strategic economic and commercial priorities for both countries, with the shared goal of fostering economic development and growth, job creation, global competitiveness, and reduction of poverty and inequality," the White House said in a statement Friday.

"This year's dialogue will focus on four central pillars: building back together; promoting sustainable economic and social development in Southern Mexico and Central America; securing the tools for future prosperity and investing in our people."

The White House added that the talks are designed to aid both countries in recovering from COVID-19, building climate resilience, partnering on security and addressing the root causes of migration.

No HLED talks with Mexico have been held since 2016.

Relations between the United States and Mexico have been somewhat strained for years, largely owing to the issue of illegal migration. Biden has attempted a softer touch, vowing to cap the flow of border crossings, but also promising to enhance legal pathways to U.S. citizenship.

Last month, the U.S. Supreme Court ordered that Biden's government must reinstate Trump's Remain in Mexico policy, which requires that migrants wait in Mexico or another country while their applications for U.S. entry are under review.