Union make force. This maxim was verified after the Summit of North American Leaders (CLAN). The meeting of the Three Amigos closes with a positive balance in strategic issues such as: competitiveness, migration and development, regional security, among others.
The bloc of countries made up of Canada, the United States and Mexico seems stronger and with a clearer path of its priorities and how to achieve them. North America has an enormous weight in economic matters. Here 12 percent of world trade is concentrated and generates 28 percent of global wealth. It is for this reason that beyond the controversies and perorations of the president of Mexico, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, the three friends seem to be committed to a more pragmatic and productive approach, more intelligent and less ideological.
competitiveness
After the covid-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, the strengthening of a safe, close and resilient supply chain is essential and essential. In this sense, the heads of state have determined to build stronger supply chains, promote investment in key industries for the future such as semiconductors and electric car batteries. As part of this effort, it was also agreed to convene public-private dialogues and map supply chains to address common challenges and opportunities.
Strengthened before China’s advance
The block of North American countries revitalizes a strategic alliance in the face of China’s commercial advance. The call nearshoring y friendshoring, seeks to ensure that investments and production are close and between friendly countries. In this way, regional self-sufficiency is guaranteed, which is essential in unforeseen global situations.
Another positive side effect is that this type of alliance helps boost and increase regional trade and investment and contributes significantly to creating a more qualified labor force with better wages.
hair in the soup
President López Obrador continues to bet on a protectionist and confrontational policy. His volatility in terms of clear, stable and predictable rules is not a good sign for business. In fundamental sectors such as energy and the automobile industry, AMLO continues to bet on polluting electricity generation and the schemes of the past.
regional security
There can be no well-being and prosperity without security. In this area, the Three Amigos agreed to promote the North American Strategy to Combat Trafficking in Persons; address illegal drug threats and strengthen health approaches to substance use; increase collaboration in cybersecurity, nuclear security, among others.
hugs not bullets
President López Obrador has been controversial in these areas, collaborating less and showing more distrust in his exchanges with the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). On the other hand, although at the beginning of his term he promised a policy of “hugs and no bullets”, the militarization of public security and the 29 deaths after the capture of drug trafficker Ovidio Guzmán show that the president imitates the old paradigms of his ancestors.
Climate change and environment
Among the relevant agreements in this sphere, the three heads of state will seek to explore standards to develop hydrogen as a renewable energy source. These efforts include accelerating the energy transition by implementing clean energy solutions, increasing production, and adopting zero-emission or low-pollution vehicles.
migration and development
The continuity of cooperation on the migration issue is perhaps one of the most significant achievements of the Summit. The commitment includes helping host communities and promoting the integration of migrants and refugees; provide protection to asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants; strengthen the asylum capacity in the region; expand regular migration and protection pathways; address the root causes and impacts of irregular migration and forced displacement; collaborate to counteract xenophobia, as well as discrimination against migrants and refugees.
they all won
The Heads of State of Canada and the United States showed a commendable effort to make diplomacy and not arrogance, building bridges of friendship before an uncomfortable and inconvenient neighbor, foolish, but necessary. At the end of the day, after the host’s 28-minute monologue and the official photo, the North American Leaders’ Summit was a success, ironing out rough edges and delivering results, proving that there is strength in unity.
The author is a journalist, was the Nicaraguan ambassador to the OAS and a former member of the Norwegian Peace Corps (FK).
