MEXICO CITY, May 12 (Xinhua) -- Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Monday criticized the U.S. decision to suspend the import of live Mexican cattle for 15 days, calling the measure unjustified and demanding mutual respect in bilateral relations.

"We do not agree with this measure," Sheinbaum said during her daily press briefing. "There is no reason to close the border to Mexican cattle."

The U.S. side cited the need to reassess joint efforts to control the screwworm fly, a livestock parasite, but Sheinbaum stressed that Mexico has worked closely with U.S. authorities from the outset. Agriculture Secretary Julio Berdegue has been in regular contact with his U.S. counterpart, Brooke Rollins, she added.

Sheinbaum expressed hope that the ban will be lifted soon and said she does not expect major losses, given the temporary nature of the measure. ■