US says it welcomes Mexico’s aid to Puerto Rico

MEXICO CITY – The U.S. Embassy in Mexico says it is grateful for the Mexican government’s offer to help the victims of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico.

The embassy said Friday in a statement that “our governments have expressed their continued solidarity in the face of natural disasters that have ravaged both our countries.”

The Mexican government said Wednesday it was sending 30 tons of bottled water and mosquito repellant to Puerto Rico.

The administration of President Donald Trump had been criticized for what some saw as a tardy response to the hurricane, which killed about 34 people directly and indirectly.

Some media outlets had portrayed Mexico’s aid offer as slap in the face to the Trump administration, with which Mexico has had a rocky relationship.