Press Releases: Secretary Tillerson’s Meeting With Mexican Foreign Secretary Luis Videgaray 


Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

Washington, DC

August 30, 2017


The following is attributable to Spokesperson Heather Nauert:

Today U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson met with Foreign Secretary of Mexico Luis Videgaray to review issues of bilateral and regional importance. Secretary Tillerson thanked the Government of Mexico for its offer of assistance in the wake of Hurricane Harvey. They discussed joint efforts to weaken transnational criminal organizations and to strengthen Central America’s economy. They also discussed region-wide efforts to reverse the Maduro regime’s current course, to address the needs of the Venezuelan people, and to seek fundamental respect for Venezuela’s democratic institutions and the rule of law. Foreign Secretary Videgaray and Secretary Tillerson also previewed Round Two of NAFTA negotiations in Mexico City September 1-5.






Press Releases: Criminalizing Dissent in Venezuela


Press Statement

Heather Nauert

Department Spokesperson

Washington, DC

August 30, 2017


The United States condemns the call by Venezuela’s illegitimate Constituent Assembly for trials of the political opposition, including members of the democratically-elected legislature, on charges of treason and alleged involvement in Venezuela’s economic crisis. Venezuela’s economic situation is the result of the misguided policies and corruption of the Maduro regime, which bears direct responsibility for the suffering of the Venezuelan people.

This injustice is only the latest in a sustained effort by the Maduro regime to undermine democracy, repress political dissent, and sow fear among its critics. It embodies yet another rupture in Venezuela’s constitutional order and defies the fact that in democracies, ideas and opinions are not crimes.

We call on the Venezuelan government to hold free, fair and internationally monitored elections; disband the illegitimate Constituent Assembly; respect the constitution and the authorities of the National Assembly; provide for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners; and tend to the humanitarian needs of the Venezuelan people.






Press Releases: Remarks With Mexican Secretary of Foreign Affairs Luis Videgaray Caso Before Their Meeting


Remarks

Rex W. Tillerson

Secretary of State

Treaty Room

Washington, DC

August 30, 2017


SECRETARY TILLERSON: Mr. Secretary, welcome. Welcome to the State Department again. It’s always a pleasure to have you here.

FOREIGN SECRETARY VIDEGARAY: Thank you. Thank you very much.

SECRETARY TILLERSON: Thank you. And I – particularly I want to thank the Government of Mexico for its offer of assistance to the state of Texas. They’ve offered a wide range of assistance coordinating with the governor down in Texas and also through FEMA, but very generous of Mexico to offer their help at this very, very challenging time for our citizens down in Texas and now moving toward the border with Louisiana, as we’re all watching. So thank you very much, Mr. Secretary.

FOREIGN SECRETARY VIDEGARAY: You’re absolutely welcome, and we are – we’re here to help. We are neighbors, we are friends, and that’s what friends do.

SECRETARY TILLERSON: Thank you. Thank you.

FOREIGN SECRETARY VIDEGARAY: Thank you.






Press Releases: Malaysia National Day


Press Statement

Rex W. Tillerson

Secretary of State

Washington, DC

August 30, 2017


On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, we offer our best wishes to the government and the people of Malaysia as you celebrate your 60th anniversary of independence on August 31.

The United States and Malaysia enjoy a strong partnership rooted in close bonds between our people, dating to before the establishment of diplomatic relations six decades ago. Our long friendship with the people of Malaysia is emblematic of our enduring commitment to ensuring security and prosperity across the Asia-Pacific, and is why Kuala Lumpur is among the capitals I visited on my first trip to Southeast Asia earlier this month.

Congratulations again on your 60th anniversary.






Press Releases: On the President’s Tax Reform Plan


Press Statement

Rex W. Tillerson

Secretary of State

Washington, DC

August 30, 2017


The tax reform plan President Trump announced today is a vital measure for strengthening U.S. prosperity as well as global prosperity through investment and job creation. A strong economy is a fundamental element of U.S. foreign policy, and the State Department will continue to engage in economic diplomacy to bolster the prosperity of our nation through increased investment and trade.