Governor Mauricio Vila Dosal of Yucatán recently led a meeting with the new U.S. Consul in Mérida, Justen Thomas. The governor expressed his commitment to further strengthen relations between Yucatán and the United States during his remaining tenure. Several heads of state government agencies also attended the meeting.

Both Vila Dosal and the American diplomat reaffirmed their commitment to collaborative efforts, particularly in areas such as investment, security, education, environment, economy, and entrepreneurship. Justen Thomas, an experienced American diplomat with a strong background in education and public diplomacy, assumed his diplomatic mission in Yucatán on August 1. He previously served as Education Attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Spain.

Governor Vila Dosal emphasized that his administration has always worked closely with the U.S. Consulate in Merida, a relationship he expects to continue under Thomas's leadership. "Our relationship has always been characterized by respect, cooperation, and tangible results," Vila Dosal said. He was joined by Jacob Grannell, Head of the Consular Section, and Giovanna Cabrera, Specialist in Political and Economic Affairs.

Among the achievements of this relationship, Vila Dosal highlighted that Yucatán is now the safest state in the country, with record tourism numbers and the lowest rates of poverty, extreme poverty, and illiteracy. "While there is still work to be done, we can take pride in the ongoing collaboration between Yucatán and the United States," he concluded.

After reviewing the progress made over the past six years, the U.S. consul praised the governor's vision and his administration's willingness to collaborate. "I'm thrilled to see the impact our collaboration has had on Yucatán," Thomas said. He also expressed gratitude for the state's safety, which will allow him to focus on additional areas of interest and potential opportunities for both regions.

Thomas reiterated his commitment to strengthening ties with Yucatán and continuing the successful work of the past six years. A former State Department official, Thomas has served in Spain and other Latin American countries, where he significantly enhanced educational ties, increased the number of Spanish students studying in the U.S., and fostered institutional collaboration.