President Barack Obama and the leaders of Mexico and Canada pushed back Wednesday against the isolationist and anti-immigrant sentiments that have stirred Britain and been endorsed by GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump.
As tensions are growing over terrorism and fallout from Britain's exit from the European Union, Obama acknowledged that Americans and others have reason to be concerned about their own future in a rapidly globalizing economy. It is an inevitable fact and that politicians are just taking advantage of the matter. He insisted that he wasn't worried Americans will follow that path.
The leaders defended their calls for free trade within the continent and beyond while gathered in the Canadian capital.
They also argued that instead of withdrawing from the world, advanced countries should focus on higher standards, wages and legal protections.
Obama believes that the markets were starting to settle down even though Britain's decision has rattled the global financial system.
Pena Nieto said Mexico sees opportunity for growth and investment by broadening its relationship with the rest of the continent.
According to the Mexican leader, they are competitors but they have complimentary economies.
Trudeau said the three leaders' strategy for combating protectionist views to "highlight how much trade and positive agreement among our nations are good not only for the economy of the world and the economy of our countries, but it's also good for our citizens."
The leader's meeting at the annual North American Leaders' Summit also focused on Trump and his insistence that Americans are better served by reasserting independence. Trump was threatening to pull the U.S. out of the North American Free Trade Agreement.
Obama suggested his counterparts to be careful what they say in case Trump ends up winning. He appeared personally insulted by Trump's claims to represent the public's best interests, saying that Trump is merely resorting to "nativism," "xenophobia" and "cynicism."
Before the summer, Canada announced it will lift visa requirements for Mexican visitors as of December 2016, while Pena Nieto agreed to open Mexican markets to Canadian beef. All three leaders pledged to generate half of their electricity from renewable sources by 2025, and Mexico also committed to joining the U.S. and Canada in tackling methane emissions.
Source: The Washington Post
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