German foreign minister concerned about violence in Mexico and NAFTA

The German government expressed its concern about the violence generated by organized crime in Mexico.

“It is terrible that people die in the hands of organized crime. Mexico is a democratic country with legal means to fight against organized crime. We want (Germany) to help reinforce laws like those against torture and the protection of journalists and human rights defenders,” Germany's foreign minister, Sigmar Gabriel, commented.

In the Dual Year Mexico-Germany, the Foreign Minister had a reunion today with his Mexican counterpart, Luis Videgaray, and dialogued about the recent murders of journalists, among other issues.

Gabriel stressed that during the following weeks the Chancellor of Germany, Angela Merkel, will visit Mexico and discuss the combat of organized crime and the death of journalists because is a matter to be concerned about.

In addition, Gabriel said that German firms are concerned about an impending renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA.)

U.S President Donald Trump's administration on Thursday set the clock ticking toward a mid-August start of the renegotiation of NAFTA with Canada and Mexico to try to win better terms for U.S. workers and manufacturers.

Gabriel stated regarding this subject that Germany backs Mexico's position in support of the accord.

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