Mexico City, 16 June 2023 (TDI): Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, embarked on a historic visit to Mexico on June 15, 2023, to meet President Andrés Manuel López Obrador.
This visit marks the first time in 11 years that the head of the European Commission has traveled to Mexico, symbolizing a renewed effort to revitalize the bilateral relationship and the Strategic Partnership between Mexico and the European Union.
We have a thriving partnership but we can do much more.
We agreed to speed up negotiations and finalise our modernised EU-Mexico agreement before the end of the year.
Joint press release with President @lopezobrador_ → https://t.co/IxMbZ6th5p pic.twitter.com/2uZmszwq4N
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) June 16, 2023
Significance of Cooperation between Mexico and the EU
During their dialogue, the two leaders identified shared priorities and challenges that require joint action. Issues such as the fight against inequality and poverty, human rights, energy transition, climate change and biodiversity loss, migration, health, inflation, food security, and the defense of international law were discussed extensively.
Mexico holds the position of the European Union’s second-largest trading partner in Latin America and the Caribbean, while the European Union stands as Mexico’s third-largest trading partner and second-largest investor.
Acknowledging the significance of their economic relationship, both parties agreed to promote sustainable, resilient, and inclusive economic growth that fosters social justice on both sides of the Atlantic.
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To achieve this, the Presidents affirmed their objective of strengthening bilateral plans and programs to encourage mutual investment, technology transfer, and knowledge sharing for the benefit of their societies.
They also explored opportunities offered by the European Union’s Global Gateway initiative, focusing on priority projects in Mexico such as sustainable finance, public health, vaccine production, sustainable energy (including green hydrogen), and sustainable water management.
Additionally, Mexican initiatives like Plan Sonora and the inter-oceanic corridor of the Istmo de Tehuantepec were recognized for their potential.
Recognizing Mexico’s strategic importance as an energy, industrial, and logistical hub, both leaders highlighted the country’s potential in green hydrogen energy and agreed that European investments would play a pivotal role in its development.
In a demonstration of their commitment to sustainable financing, the Government of Mexico and the European Investment Bank (EIB) signed a Joint Declaration of Intent, outlining their strategy for sustainable financing within the political relationship between Mexico and the EU.
President López Obrador and President von der Leyen also emphasized the need to deepen their political, trade, and cooperation partnership.
They also expressed their intention to expedite negotiations to finalize a modernized Global Agreement before the year’s end.
Moreover, the leaders affirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation at bilateral, regional, and global levels while reinforcing the multilateral system.
They voiced their solidarity with Ukraine in the wake of the current Russia-Ukraine war and emphasized the importance of its independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
The joint commitment to combat the illicit trafficking of small arms and light weapons, as well as the importance of addressing migration comprehensively, were also key points of discussion.
Looking ahead, the upcoming Summit of Leaders of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and the European Union, scheduled for July 17 and 18, 2023, in Brussels, Belgium, holds great significance.
It is anticipated to renew and strengthen the longstanding bi-regional partnership between the EU and CELAC, addressing persistent inequalities, climate change, and global security threats.
