Press Releases 08
Dedication of Consulate General Matamoros
Statement by Ambassador Antonio O. Garza
Matamoros, October 15, 2008- “I came to Matamoros today to
formally recognize the designation of the Consulate as a U.S.
Consulate General. When I came here last year for the 175th
anniversary of the Consulate, I was surprised to learn that
it wasn’t already a Consulate General, and I vowed to make
it so before leaving office as Ambassador. Today we celebrate
the recognition of the important work being accomplished by
Consul General Cecilia Elizondo-Herrera and her team, and
the strength of the ties between the United States and Mexico.
“Below are excerpts of my remarks. To read the entire text,
click here: http://mexico.usembassy.gov/eng/Ambassador/eA081015Matamoros.html
“As you know, I never fail to mention with pride that I had
the good luck to be born in Brownsville. And I know what it
is to live in this land where Mexico and the United States
meet…. On various occasions I have tried to express what the
border signifies for me and what it is to have roots on the
banks of the Rio Grande as well as the Rio Bravo….
“One of the challenges as Ambassador of the United States
has been to get people in Washington and in Mexico City to
understand the realities of life on the border. Here we know
well that if you want to understand immigration, water issues,
trade and security concerns, you have to come to the place
where we are today….
“And for that reason it was time that Matamoros became a
Consulate General. The change shows that we are accomplishing
a great deal, and it highlights the importance of our bilateral
relationship and the great work that we do here every day.
“The relationship between Mexico and the United States is
positive and thriving, and I have never been as optimistic
as I am today. I see a bright future; and not because challenges
are easy to overcome, but because we are united…. I have faith
that together we can create a more prosperous future. Together
we can reach greater liberalization and democracy. And together
we can accomplish what the new generation expects from us:
a better life.”
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