A crucial aspect of the relationship between Mexico and the U.S. is the role ambassadors play in both countries. In Mexico’s history, U.S. ambassadors have played a very important role and left their mark on history. Given that the bilateral relationship between the countries is one of the most complex and important on the world stage, the ambassadors have on their agenda issues that affect economic, political, social and cultural interests. The U.S. Senate confirmed President Donald Trump’s appointment of Ronald Johnson as U.S. ambassador to Mexico.
Ambassador Johnson has a long career spanning four decades in the U.S. public sector. Originally as an officer in the United States Navy, then as a member of the intelligence community and, most recently, as U.S. ambassador to El Salvador. He has extensive regional experience, having worked throughout his career on a variety of issues related to refugees, anti-narcotics, terrorism, human rights and control of diseases caused by tropical viruses, as mentioned in the official website of the U.S. Embassy. He went to college at New York State University and holds a Master of Science (M.S.) degree from the National Intelligence University, an institution focused on training professionals in intelligence, national security and defense. He has received numerous distinctions, including an Honorary Doctorate in Humanities from Williamson College and the Sue M. Cobb Award for Exemplary Diplomatic Service, among others.
Ambassador Johnson replaces Ambassador Ken Salazar, who maintained a prominent media presence due to his temperament and outgoing personality. Ambassador Salazar had a remarkably close friendship with President López Obrador, but it was disrupted at the end of his term by his unfavorable statements regarding the ongoing judicial reform in Mexico. Ambassador Johnson is already in Mexico. He presented his credentials to Claudia Sheinbaum at a meeting that was used to address some issues on the complicated bilateral agenda. The topics discussed were those related to security and the fight against drug trafficking, which are of great interest to the US, as well as border and immigration issues, with an emphasis on the need for joint action to regulate immigration flows and border security. Also relevant was the issue of the economy, due to the importance of commerce and economic cooperation between the two countries. We wish Ambassador to Mexico Ronald Johnson success, as his personal success will dictate the broader success of the new relationship between Mexico and the US.
