Introduction
Small opinions often turn into tsunamis when they touch on uncharted territories. In the case of Mexico’s relationship with Palestine, this dynamic is evident as international pressure mounts for the recognition of Palestine as a state.
Historical Context
On May 11, 2016, former President Enrique Peña Nieto received credentials from Abdel Karim Saadat, who was appointed as the “Palestinian Ambassador” to Mexico. However, this does not equate to official recognition of Palestine as a state by Mexico.
Current Situation
Under President Sheinbaum’s administration, Mexico does not have a full-fledged embassy in Palestine. Instead, it maintains a representative office without the status of an embassy.
There is no official document signed by Mexico and the “Palestinian State” establishing diplomatic relations. If such a document existed, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would likely hold an official event to disclose its details.
Contrary to the formal recognition of Palestine as a state, Mexico adheres to the Estrada Doctrine, which dictates that public support for governments or states should not be announced. This policy has been a cornerstone of Mexico’s foreign relations since the 1930s.
Comparison with European Union Representation
Mexico’s representation of Palestine mirrors that of the European Union. The EU, a union of 27 states, does not constitute a single state; hence, its representation in Mexico is referred to as the “Representation of the European Union” rather than an embassy.
Similarly, while the representative of Palestine in Mexico can be informally called an “ambassador,” she does not hold the official title due to the lack of a formal embassy.
Mexico’s Position on Palestinian Statehood
Historically, Mexico has maintained that it will recognize Palestine as a state when the United Nations does so officially. This would require the agreement of all five permanent members of the UN Security Council.
Mexico has voted in favor of Palestinian recognition at the UN General Assembly, though not bindingly.
President Sheinbaum’s absence from the UN General Assembly may suggest a lack of interest in distancing herself from her predecessor, potentially reflecting an etnocentric viewpoint similar to that of former President AMLO.
Alicia Bárcena, who had hoped to compete for the UN Secretary-General position, may have been affected by this situation. Meanwhile, Chile’s President Gabriel Boric has taken a step forward by announcing Michelle Bachelet’s candidacy for the same position.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: Does Mexico recognize Palestine as a state? A: Mexico has not officially recognized Palestine as a state, although it has voted in favor of its UN recognition.
- Q: What type of representation does Palestine have in Mexico? A: Palestine has a representative office in Mexico, not an embassy. The representative is informally referred to as an “ambassador,” but officially, they do not hold that title.
- Q: How does Mexico’s stance on Palestine compare to its approach towards other international entities? A: Mexico follows the Estrada Doctrine, which discourages public endorsement of governments or states. This is similar to its representation of the European Union, which is also an office rather than an embassy.
- Q: What is the significance of Mexico’s position on Palestinian statehood? A: Mexico’s stance reflects its adherence to international consensus on Palestinian statehood, which requires the agreement of all five permanent members of the UN Security Council.
