Roberta S. Jacobson Confirmed as U.S. Ambassador to Mexico

John Kerry, Secretary of State

(Press Statement)

I am pleased the U.S. Senate has finally confirmed Roberta S. Jacobson, our Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, to be the next U.S. Ambassador to Mexico. Nine months after her nomination, I’m pleased to say we are sending one of our finest diplomats to advance this important relationship.

As a neighbor, our relationship with Mexico is unique. Hundreds of thousands of Mexican and U.S. citizens as well as $1.6 billion in trade flow across our 2,000 mile border every day. Our partnership is a reflection of deep institutional, economic, personal, and cultural bonds. Together, the United States and Mexico confront energy, border, and security challenges that demand the expertise of a talented diplomat like the one we are sending to Mexico City.

A career civil servant and distinguished diplomat, Roberta Jacobson has amassed a tremendous service record in the State Department. In addition to serving as Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs, she has previously served as Deputy Assistant Secretary for North America, and Director of Mexican Affairs.

I have long relied on Roberta’s wise counsel and good cheer, and I am confident that as Ambassador, she will bring her extensive experience and judgement to this critical post. No one is more qualified than Roberta to represent the United States in Mexico. I will continue to count on her leadership and sound advice to advance our economic and political relationship with our partner and friend.

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Remarks by John Kerry, Secretary of State, Apr. 28, 2016, U.S. State Department, Washington, D.C.