Roberta Jacobson has arrived in Mexico to assume her new role as the United States ambassador.
Jacobson is considered among the U.S. diplomats most knowledgeable about the region and her posting comes at a time when immigration and trade with Mexico have been featured themes in the U.S. presidential campaign. They have been especially targeted for criticism by Republican Donald Trump.
In briefs remarks in Spanish upon her arrival Thursday, Jacobson said she is excited and confident in the "excellent communication" between the U.S. and Mexico.
Prior to being named to the post by President Barack Obama, Jacobson was assistant secretary of state for Western Hemisphere affairs. In that position, she was deeply involved in negotiations to restore diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Cuba after five decades of estrangement.