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-Editorial
The United States Consulate in Tijuana commemorated the 248th Anniversary of U.S. Independence, marking the event as the last celebrated by the current Consul General, Thomas E. Reott, in this border city.
In an event full of emotion and camaraderie, Reott opened his speech with a phrase that drew smiles and applause from the attendees: “Bring me a chela, please.” Thus, the Consul began a heartfelt and humorous gratitude to his collaborators, friends, and family for three years of close collaboration, shared effort, and significant achievements.
“I was doubly fortunate to serve my country in this incredible part of the world and also because I had the best team in the world, they are professional, dedicated, and creative, without them I would not have achieved much, although let’s be honest, I would have anyway Had a great time living here. Honestly, my team is amazing,” Reott said.
The United States Consulate General in Tijuana plays a crucial role in managing the bilateral relationship in the most populated and interconnected border region between Mexico and the United States. Here, family, linguistic, historical, and commercial ties are deeply strong. Despite concerns about violence, there is extensive cross-border cooperation in various areas and a shared sense that Tijuana and San Diego form a single dynamic and economically interdependent region. Throughout more than 125 years of cooperation in Baja California, the US Consulate has established itself as an integral part of the community and a key interlocutor in relations between both countries.
Thomas E. Reott assumed the position of Consul General in Tijuana on August 9, 2021. The Consulate serves more than 600,000 Americans who live, work, and vacation in the region and oversees the issuance of thousands of visas annually. With 20 years of experience in the U.S. Foreign Service, Reott has held important roles at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico and in other countries such as Spain, India, Colombia, Afghanistan, and Belgium.
The ceremony was attended by representatives of the federal, state, and municipal governments. Among the attendees were Alfredo Álvarez Cárdenas, Secretary General of the Government; David Pérez Tejada Padilla, Delegate of the National Migration Institute (INM); and Enrique Lucero, Head of the Municipal Directorate of Migrant Assistance. Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda sent a video message, broadcast on the main screen of the event, in which she wished the Consul General success in her future work.
“I gladly sent greetings and congratulations on this very special day for your country, especially to our beloved Consul General of the United States in Tijuana, Thomas Reott, whom I thank and recognize for the hard coordinated work that we have maintained throughout the moment in favor of our nations, thanks to it today we live a fruitful binational relationship…..With all my heart I wish you the best of success in your future projects…..Happy 4th of July,” said the governor.
The event included the singing of the national anthems of the United States and Mexico by a women’s choir.
