Mexico City, Mexico — Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard has inaugurated the new Mexican consulate in Oklahoma City. The Ministry of Foreign Relations says the new consulate will serve the growing Mexican community in the state of Oklahoma, which is over 450,000.
Ebrard reported that until now, Mexicans living in Oklahoma City had to travel more than four hours to reach the nearest consular office. Mexicans in the state of Oklahoma had to drive to either Arkansas or Texas.
The new Mexican consulate in Oklahoma is the 52nd consular representation of Mexico in the United States. Ebrard explained that the Mexican government is fulfilling the vision of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador of serving and protecting Mexicans wherever they are.
“When we discussed with the senators where we were going to make the new consulates, one of the main arguments was the number and importance of the Mexican-American and Mexican community here in Oklahoma, forgotten for many years,” said the chancellor.
“It means recognition of our community and also a sample of what Mexico and the United States can do if they work together with respect,” he said.
In addition to protection and documentation, the new consulate, which is headed by Edurne Pineda, will promote greater economic, commercial, cultural and tourist exchange between Mexico and Oklahoma.
As of June 1, the consulate will handle passport, consular registration and voter card applications.
Within the framework of the inauguration, Foreign Minister Ebrard held two working meetings with the Governor of Oklahoma, Kevin Stitt, and with the Mayor of Oklahoma City, David Holt. With both officials, the Mexican foreign minister agreed to work together to increase trade, business and tourism between Mexico and the state.
The inaugural ceremony was also attended by the Mexican ambassador to the United States, Esteban Moctezuma, the head of the unit for North America, Roberto Velasco, the head of the Administration and Finance Unit, Moisés Poblanno, the General Director of Consular Services, Jaime Vázquez Bracho and the General Director of Consular Protection and Strategic Planning, Vanessa Calva.
