Donald Trump held a press conference on Aug. 31, 2016 with the current leader of Mexico, President Enrique Nieto. The president made strong remarks regarding the intensity of the debate and the active American democratic election traditions.

Nieto mentioned his belief to be strongly open to debate in order to achieve better control of the border and conduct the best possible procedures to protect the border and achieve a progressive future. President Nieto noted that he had written letters in order to express his message with the current American presidential nominees.

Mexico and the United States have a relationship that is important not just to our economy, but to Mexico’s as well. Nieto mentioned that they hold stronger commerce with the U.S than Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Japan and the European Union.

Also according to Nieto, Mexico has not pursued major business deals with countries since the U.S. is a crucial partner for Mexico. The current goal of the meeting was in order to discuss the importance of the relationship with the U.S.

There was discussion of the wall that Trump has mentioned, but no discussion of Mexico paying for the wall. Nieto has mentioned that he does not plan on paying for it and made sure to note this to Trump in person. He also made a clear Twitter statement on the matter.

Trump and Nieto did have a respectful discussion about stances on the relationship between the U.S. and Mexico. It shocked me that Trump was actually able to have a clean, policy-directed conference.

Nieto noted at the end of his speech that he hopes Trump will support Mexico with good intent, as well. Trump went on to mention his nebulous policy for a relationship between the U.S. and Mexico, but did not expand on his plans.

Trump also noted respect for Mexican-American citizens, which was a surprise to me. Additionally, he mentioned that the North American Free Trade Agreement with Mexico is not supportive of the U.S. but has had a positive, prosperous influence on Mexico.

Trump’s primary focus was on the safety of U.S. citizens and Mexican Citizens and on ending the illegal cartels in Mexico through co-operative operations between the two countries.

All of the points mentioned and discussed, I have to admit, mark a huge difference from Trump’s previous statements. It was a surprising discussion where there were no insults to Mexico, which resulted in great civil discourse, something I was not expecting from Trump.

Nieto did go on to mention that this was not negotiation, but had also stated to CNN affiliate Televisa in an interview this past Wednesday that Trump’s positions “are a threat to Mexico.” Nieto had also mentioned that the people of Mexico are “very insulted,” but who wouldn’t be?

He stressed his responsibility to the people of Mexico and said that Trump would need to show more responsibility for his statements.

Trump must have left his “Celebrity Apprentice” personality at home, and brought his “presidential nominee for the Republican Party” personality with him. If only all his debates were run with this amount of professionalism, he might actually be doing well in the polls.

However, Trump did not gain any political ground during his trip to Mexico, since he discussed no real plans to change the relationship between Mexico and the U.S. beyond how crucial it is for each other to protect their own citizens.

I agree with the protection stance 100 percent, but it is also very important to keep our current relationship with Mexico. We are dependent on Mexican migrant workers, and the U.S. has businesses running in Mexico that provide back to our country. The two are virtually co-dependant, relying each on the other’s strong economic support. It benefits both countries to continue this relationship, which is what Trump might consider.

Juan Nevarez is a senior psychology major. He can be reached at 581-2812 or jnnevarez@eiu.edu.