Introduction to the Mexican Foreign Minister’s Speech
On Sunday, during the IV CELAC-UE Summit in Santa Marta, Colombia, Mexico’s Foreign Minister, Juan Ramón de la Fuente, reaffirmed the country’s commitment to peace, multilateralism, and international cooperation.
Shared Values and Strengthening Cooperation
De la Fuente highlighted the shared fundamental values between Latin America, the Caribbean, and the European Union, such as respect for international law, peaceful resolution of disputes, and self-determination of peoples. He called for strengthening the bilateral relationship based on modern, balanced, and bold foundations.
“Facing global challenges, cooperation is not only a tool for development but also an expression of political will and a shared vision,” emphasized the Secretary of Mexico’s Secretariat of Foreign Relations (SRE) as he began his speech before leaders from both regions.
Modernized Agreement and Strategic Projects
The Mexican Foreign Minister reminded the audience that Mexico and the European Union are set to sign a modernized Global Agreement, updating the one from 25 years ago. This new framework aims to strengthen political dialogue, development cooperation, and strategic investment.
The updated agreement will foster joint projects in clean energy, pharmaceutical industry, infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing, generating tangible benefits for the societies of both regions.
Defending a Zone of Peace
De la Fuente emphasized the importance of maintaining Latin America and the Caribbean as a zone of peace, adhering to Mexico’s constitutional principles of foreign policy and the United Nations Charter.
“Mexico wishes to reaffirm, in this space, the full force of Latin America and the Caribbean’s proclamation as a zone of peace, and our absolute commitment to the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and self-determination of peoples,” he stated.
“An imposed alliance is not a genuine alliance. Latin America and the Caribbean must remain, and should continue to be, a region of peace,” he warned, advocating for dialogue and diplomacy in conflict resolution.
Supporting a Female UN Secretary-General
De la Fuente also reiterated Mexico’s stance presented at the United Nations in September, supporting the idea of a Latin American or Caribbean woman as the next UN Secretary-General, reflecting “the times of women” in global diplomacy.
“We should continue advancing towards a more strategic association between CELAC and the EU, based on a renewed international vision and mutual respect. A humanist, feminist, inclusive, and more pragmatic diplomacy… Because such diplomacy will have a better chance of effectively defending peace, international security, and state sovereignty, both in Europe and in Latin America and the Caribbean,” he concluded.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main topic of Mexico’s Foreign Minister’s speech? Mexico reaffirms its commitment to peace, multilateralism, and international cooperation during the CELAC-UE Summit.
- What shared values does Mexico emphasize with Latin America, the Caribbean, and the European Union? Mexico highlights respect for international law, peaceful dispute resolution, and self-determination of peoples.
- What is the purpose of the modernized Global Agreement between Mexico and the European Union? The updated agreement aims to strengthen political dialogue, development cooperation, and strategic investment in clean energy, pharmaceutical industry, infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing.
- Why is maintaining Latin America and the Caribbean as a zone of peace important to Mexico? Mexico emphasizes adherence to its constitutional principles of foreign policy and the UN Charter, advocating for peaceful conflict resolution through dialogue and diplomacy.
- What is Mexico’s stance on the next UN Secretary-General? Mexico supports having a Latin American or Caribbean woman as the next UN Secretary-General, reflecting “the times of women” in global diplomacy.
