Mexico's diplomatic shuffle in U.S. reflects new strategy

A senior Mexican official says a diplomatic shuffle in the United States reflects a new strategy to more aggressively respond to false portrayals of Mexico that have spread during the U.S. presidential campaign.

Foreign Relations Secretary Claudia Ruiz Massieu told The Associated Press on Thursday that the climate in the United States has changed during the last year and that Mexico needs to emphasize the economic and social benefits of cross-border ties. She said the new diplomats are best-suited to that mission.

Carlos Sada, a diplomat with deep background in the U.S., was named ambassador to Washington. José Paulo Carreño King, who has extensive experience in public relations, was named undersecretary of North American affairs.

The secretary was in in San Diego to inaugurate one of the world's few cross-border airports.