Washington, D.C. – On May 24, 2017, U.S. Secretary of Energy Rick Perry accepted the Good Neighbor Award from the U.S.-Mexico Chamber of Commerce for his leadership in fostering collaboration between the U.S. and Mexico during his tenure as Governor of the State of Texas.

The award goes to individuals in the private and public sectors that have made outstanding contributions to U.S.-Mexico relations and was presented during the Good Neighbor Award Gala at the Organization of American States building in Washington, D.C.

"Maintaining a strong bilateral relationship with our neighbor and friend Mexico is not only important, it is vital to the economies of both of our nations. Our relationship was a priority when I was Governor of Texas and will continue to be one as Secretary of Energy. I am honored to have been chosen to receive the prestigious Good Neighbor Award and look forward to leading the Department of Energy in strengthening our working partnership with Mexico into the future," said Secretary Perry.

Energy Secretary Perry was given the Good Neighbor Award for public sector work in the United States. The Secretary of Economy of Mexico, Dr. Ildefonso Guajardo, received the Good Neighbor Award for public sector work in Mexico.

For three decades, the U.S.-Mexico Chamber of Commerce has gathered in Washington, D.C. to present the Good Neighbor Award to public and private sector leaders for their vision and commitment to building strong relations between Mexico and the United States.

Awardees have included ministers, ambassadors, governors, members of Congress, standing and former presidents, corporate CEOs, chairmen of organizations, and others who have made a significant difference in U.S.-Mexico relations.