KEYPOINTS OF PRESIDENT ANDRES MANUEL LOPEZ OBRADOR’S MORNING PRESS CONFERENCE

ly, the price of the crude oil blend has increased by 26.59%, while the real price of magna gasoline, premium gasoline and diesel have decreased by 7.7%, 5.6% and 7.5%, respectively.

• Tesla Investment: President Lopez Obrador mentioned that his conversation with Elon Musk was very good, and they talked about other topics such as the development of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, the installation of a battery company in Hidalgo, the Sonora Plan and the Mayan Train. The President extended an invitation to Musk to visit Sonora and see the solar energy plant, in addition to highlighting that the subsidies for battery plants and electric cars in the United States cannot be implemented in Mexico due to the cost. Regarding foreign participation in lithium investment, Lopez Obrador informed that they are working on the research and separation of lithium from clay, and that CONACyT is in charge of this task. He also confirmed that lithium belongs to the nation and that there may be agreements to sell the raw material.

Bilateral Relation

• GM corn consultations: The President of Mexico has proposed that an analysis be conducted between a qualified U.S. agency and COFEPRIS to determine whether GM corn is harmful to health. Although GM corn is not allowed to be consumed in Mexico, an agreement is being sought before going to the panel. Mexico is self-sufficient in white corn for human consumption and has many native corn varieties that must be protected. If there is no understanding, it will go to the panel to guarantee the health of Mexicans. Minister Buenrostro will attend the visit of U.S. trade representatives.

• Kidnapping of U.S. citizens: The governor of Tamaulipas reported that U.S. citizens were found, two of them deceased, and the president criticized the lack of media attention to violence against Mexicans in the United States. It was mentioned that President Biden offered to respect Mexico’s sovereignty, which was appreciated. Also mentioned was a case of a U.S. pharmaceutical company that created an addictive drug that was approved by the U.S. health regulatory agency and the lack of control of arms trafficking in the U.S., with senators receiving money from arms factories for their campaigns.

• Relationship with the United States: The President emphasized that he has a good relationship with Ambassador Ken Salazar, who is respectful of Mexico’s sovereignty. He announced that on March 19, legislators from the United States will come and make a joint tour and on March 21, Secretary John Kerry will come. This March 9 will receive the visit of the person in charge of the White House to face the fentanyl issue.