Published: 10:23, February 27, 2025
Mexico seeks to finalize security deal with US before tariff deadline
By Xinhua
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum gives her daily morning press conference at the National Palace in Mexico City, Feb 3, 2025. (PHOTO / AP)

MEXICO CITY - Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said Wednesday that top security officials will travel to Washington to meet with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and finalize a bilateral security coordination agreement.

"The security cabinet is leaving today. They will meet tomorrow in Washington with Secretary of State Marco Rubio," Sheinbaum said at her daily press briefing.

READ MORE: Mexican president expects deal with US to avert tariffs

The delegation includes Mexico's security minister, defense minister, navy minister, foreign minister and attorney general, she added.

The deal is crucial as a 25 percent US tariff on Mexican goods is set to take effect on March 4 unless a new agreement is reached with US President Donald Trump.

READ MORE: Mexico not 'colony or protectorate of any country,' says president

Since his campaign, Trump has threatened tariffs unless Mexico strengthens efforts to curb fentanyl trafficking and illegal migration.

Sheinbaum depicted the meeting as part of the ongoing talks to establish a security framework "while respecting each country's sovereignty".

ALSO READ: Trump floats $5 million 'gold card' as a route to US citizenship

Mexico has been pushing for a permanent suspension of tariffs while urging the United States to step up efforts to curb arms trafficking, which fuels organized crime.