Mexico has agreed to provide water to the U.S. under a 1944 treaty following President Trump’s threatened tariffs. The agreement aims to alleviate water shortages in Texas and showcases Mexico’s commitment to fulfilling treaty obligations. Both nations have outlined plans to address existing water debts moving forward.
In an unprecedented move, Mexico has agreed to send water to the United States to address growing concerns over scarcity. This decision comes amid heightened tensions following President Donald Trump’s warnings of tariffs unless Mexico fulfilled its obligations under a long-standing treaty from 1944 that governs water sharing between the two neighboring nations. The agreement, announced on Monday, aims to alleviate critical shortfalls affecting farmers in Texas’s Rio Grande Valley.
President Trump has strongly criticized Mexico, accusing it of “stealing” water from U.S. farmers and claiming that references to shared resources under the treaty have been overlooked. The pact stipulates that the U.S. shares water from the Colorado River while Mexico provides water from the Rio Grande area. In response, the foreign ministry in Mexico confirmed that the country would begin transferring water immediately and plans to enhance deliveries during the rainy season.
Mexican Foreign Ministry officials have reiterated their commitment to uphold the treaty while emphasizing that its enforcement is vital for the northern regions of Mexico. The U.S. State Department has welcomed this agreement, stating that it would ease the water crisis for farmers and municipalities impacted by the current deficit. Acknowledgment was given to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum for her leadership and engagement in resolving these issues.
Additionally, both nations have agreed to devise a long-term strategy aimed at reliably meeting the treaty’s specifications and addressing existing water debts. Some reports indicate that as of October, Mexico is behind in fulfilling obligations, owing the U.S. an estimated 1.55 billion cubic meters of water as indicated by officials from the boundary and water commission.
This water dispute is further compounded by the ongoing challenges posed by drought affecting the Colorado River as well as substantial agricultural consumption in the region. U.S. farmers have expressed frustration that Mexico has only recently responded, particularly when faced with significant disruptions.
Mexico faces its own climate challenges, with officials citing two decades of drought, peaking in 2023, which has drastically impaired the Rio Grande basin’s resources. Notably, tensions flared in 2020 when farmers in Chihuahua resorted to seizing a dam in protest of government allocations intended for the U.S., resulting in confrontations that tragically led to loss of life.
With diplomatic negotiations ongoing, the agreement marks a significant step in U.S.-Mexico relations, particularly in light of Trump’s aggressive stance on trade and immigration issues.
This agreement to share water highlights the complexity of U.S.-Mexico relations, particularly in the context of trade disputes and environmental concerns. Mexico is now poised to fulfill its treaty obligations, with immediate water transfers scheduled, while the U.S. is addressing its pressing agricultural needs. As both nations seek to navigate water shortages exacerbated by climate issues, collaborative efforts will hopefully foster a more stable diplomatic relationship moving forward.
Original Source: www.france24.com
