- The new building will better serve the public in accordance with the principles of republican austerity.
The new headquarters of the Consulate General of Mexico were inaugurated in Houston. Consular services will be improved, particularly for the most vulnerable sectors. In addition, the consulate's ties with the East Texas communities will be strengthened by providing services in a functional and accessible manner.
The newly inaugurated quarters are proof of the government's goal of expanding consular protection and assistance for the Mexican communities abroad with efficient policies and in accordance with the principle of republican austerity. The Foreign Ministry will provide better consular services without using more public resources.
During the inauguration, the Foreign Secretary said, "We have more than two million Mexicans working, living and contributing to Houston's economic strength. This consulate is here to provide them with services, a priority of President López Obrador. It is worth thinking ahead. We think that if we strengthen our ties with the North American cities, we will be stronger in the future. We can create the richest and most prosperous community if our North American cities, economies and societies work more closely together.”
The new consulate in Houston is a public space that will defend greater rights and freedoms. Civil unions of same-sex couples can take place in the consulate. It has state-of-the-art environmental standards.
In addition to the Health and Financial Information Windows, the consulate has a Comprehensive Care Window for Women and lactation rooms. It is an embodiment of Mexico's feminist foreign policy, the guideline of Mexican diplomacy. Mexico is the first country in Latin America to have an egalitarian foreign policy in matters of gender.
After the inauguration, the Foreign Ministry's Chief Officer for North America, Roberto Velasco Álvarez, signed three Memoranda of Understanding with local authorities on consular protection, economic promotion and academic issues.
The head of the Institute for Mexicans Abroad, Luis Gutiérrez, gave a special commendation to Mexican health professionals who have distinguished themselves for their tireless work with the Hispanic community in the Houston area during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition, Roberto Velasco and Luis Gutiérrez presented the“Distinguished Mexicans” award to John Cypher, Director General for the Americas of the Greater Houston Partnership, the largest chamber of commerce in the Houston area.
The officials met with Mexico's consuls in Texas, some of whom attended in person and some virtually. At the meeting, the participants discussed ways to provide better services to Mexicans living in the state, regardless of their immigration status.
"For those of us who work to improve the lives of the Mexican and Mexican-American communities of more than two million people in 37 counties, it is an honor to present the new offices to the public. They highlight the three pillars of diplomacy and consular assistance," said Mexico's consul in Houston, Alicia Kerber. "Like all of those who are here to witness this emblematic event, we are very excited about all of the possibilities that this new space offers for continuing to do honor to Mexico and its people," she said.
The new headquarters of the Consulate General of Mexico in Houston, which opened its doors on May 24, was formally inaugurated today by Foreign Secretary Marcelo Ebrard, who was accompanied by Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, and Quincy Allen, Director of District Operations of the Texas Department of Transportation. Also present were Roberto Velasco, Chief Officer for North America; the head of the Institute for Mexicans Abroad, Luis Gutiérrez; and the Chief Officer for Finance and Administration, José Antonio Domínguez.
