The safety net for Mexicans in the United States continues to grow. Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard today inaugurated the new Mexican Consulate in Oklahoma, our country’s 52nd consular representation in the United States.
The new consulate aims to provide direct attention to the growing Mexican community in the state of Oklahoma, numbering more than 400,000 people, who until now had to travel more than four hours to reach the nearest consular office.
Foreign Minister Ebrard explained that the Mexican government is fulfilling President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s vision of serving and protecting the Mexican people, wherever they are.
The chancellor said, “When we discussed with senators where we were going to build the new consulate, one of the main arguments was the number and importance of the Mexican-American and Mexican community in Oklahoma, which has been neglected for many years.” Was.”
He said, “It means recognition of our community and it is also a model of what Mexico and the United States can do if they are together and we work with respect, with affection, and I say in Mexico Well, we’re family.”
In addition to conservation and documentation work, the new consulate – under the charge of Edern Pineda – will promote greater economic, commercial, cultural and tourist exchanges between Mexico and Oklahoma.
Within the framework of the inauguration, Secretary Ebrard held two working meetings with Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt and Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt. Along with the two officials, the Mexican foreign minister agreed to work together to increase trade, business and tourism between Mexico and that US entity.
The colorful opening ceremony, which featured mariachi music and no shortage of specialty food, was attended by members and leaders of the Mexican community in Oklahoma and the region, who congratulated themselves on being able to rely on consular services nearby.
The opening ceremony was also attended by Esteban Moctezuma, the Mexican ambassador to the United States; head of unit for North America, Roberto Velasco; Moises Poblano, Head of the Administration and Finance Unit; Jaime Vazquez Bracho, Director General of Consular Services; and Vanessa Calva, Director General of Consular Protection and Strategic Planning.
In his speech, Esteban Moctezuma, the Mexican ambassador to the US, said that “It is a holiday in Oklahoma because we are opening a consulate that will serve a community of nearly half a million people.”
The Head of the Unit for North America assured that “the opening of this office is part of the whole strategy that Secretary Ebrard has entrusted to us and, of course, President López Obrador has asked us to protect the Mexican community abroad The main priority of Mexico’s foreign policy.
The consulate, located at 1131 W. Sheridan Ave., Oklahoma City, will be focused on meeting the strong demand for documentation for Mexicans present in the first phase.
All services will be included in a phased manner, including assistance in consular security and the implementation of community programs of a preventive nature in health, financial education and educational guidance, all aimed at promoting better community development. Mexicans for their own benefit and that of the society to which they belong.
Starting June 1, the consulate will handle passport, consulate registration and voter card applications. Appointments are available through MiConsulado at https://miconsulado.sre.gob.mx/ or by calling +1(424)309 0009.
During her visit to the state of Oklahoma, the External Affairs Minister interacted with members of the Mexican community in which she heard their needs and the current situation of the diaspora.
