4. Conclusion
Mexico and the United States share the idea that it is necessary to simultaneously confront the drug problem from a comprehensive supply and demand reduction perspective.
Over the past five years, both countries have built a solid institutional structure for counter-drug cooperation. For the first time, both countries have begun implementing a broad, comprehensive and structured collaboration plan focused on the joint, long-term efforts: the Bilateral Drug Control Strategy.
Within this framework, greater understanding has been attained between the Mexican and U.S. agencies. This has led to a greater understanding of the particular problems that each country faces and of the national control mechanisms to face these problems.
The creation of a high-level bilateral consultation mechanism, specialized in drug control—the HLCG—has facilitated the decision-making and agreement processes between both governments, allowing the bilateral cooperation efforts against drug consumption, drug trafficking and drug-related crimes to be effectively led.
Neither the United States nor Mexico can combat the drug problem alone, so it is imperative that a cooperative mechanism continue to exist and be strengthened in the years ahead. The most important accomplishment has been the development of a strong and vibrant anti drug alliance with a shared view of the threat and firm agreement on what needs to be done. This is something that has never been achieved between two neighboring nations and serves as a model for other countries in confronting trans-national or international threats. We recognize too that the drug problem is not a war to be won but rather a complex and long-term problem that will require the full support and involvement of our societies as well.
