U.S., Mexican security officials speak despite diplomatic rift

[February 08, 2017] WASHINGTON/MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Senior Mexican and American military and interior officials spoke on Tuesday, Mexico's government said, in a sign that communication remains open between the two countries, despite deep tension over President Donald Trump's proposals.

In a telephone call, Mexican Interior Minister Miguel Angel Osorio Chong and U.S. Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly discussed security issues and an upcoming meeting in Mexico City, according to a statement that gave few details.

A separate Mexican government communique showed Secretary of Defense Salvador Cienfuegos and his U.S. counterpart, James Mattis, spoke about an April meeting of security officials that will include Canada.

Mexico's Navy Secretary Vidal Soberon was also on the call.

The Pentagon confirmed the call, noting the two countries '"commitment to strengthen our close bilateral defense relationship."

It added, "Mattis lauded Mexico's growing leadership in the region and commended Mexico's willingness to host the Central American Security Conference in July."

The discussions come despite a deep political crisis between Mexico and the United States.

Trump has threatened to build a wall on the U.S. southern border, slap a hefty tax on Mexican-made goods entering the country and pull out of a trade deal with Mexico if he cannot renegotiate it to benefit the United States.

U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis waits to welcome Canada's Minister of National Defense Harjit Sajjan at the Pentagon in Washington, U.S., February 6, 2017. REUTERS/Yuri Gripas

Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto canceled a planned January summit of the two leaders after Trump said his counterpart should not attend if he was unwilling to pay for the wall.

In a radio interview following Tuesday's calls, Osorio Chong said arms were also mentioned in his chat with Kelly, but gave no details.

Illegal arms trafficking from the United States into Mexico has been key to the success of the country's notorious drug cartels and a constant worry for its government.

(Reporting by Idrees Ali and Lizbeth Diaz; Writing by Washington Newsroom and Alexandra Alper; Editing by Sandra Maler and Clarence Fernandez)

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