Foreign relations of Mexico

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The foreign relations of Mexico (United Mexican States) are directed by the President of the United Mexican States[1] and managed through the Secretariat of Foreign Affairs.[2] The principles of the foreign policy are constitutionally recognized in the Article 89, Section 10, which include: respect for international law and legal equality of states, their sovereignty and independence, non-intervention in the domestic affairs of other countries, peaceful resolution of conflicts, and promotion of collective security through active participation in international organizations.[1] Since the 1930s, the Estrada Doctrine has served as a crucial complement to these principles.[3]

After the War of Independence, the relations of Mexico were focused primarily on the United States, its northern neighbor, largest trading partner,[4] and the most powerful actor in hemispheric and world affairs.[5] Once the order was reestablished, its foreign policy was built under hemispheric prestige in subsequent decades. Demonstrating independence from the U.S., Mexico supported the Cuban government since its establishment in the early 1960s,[6] the Sandinista revolution in Nicaragua during the late 1970s,[7] and leftist revolutionary groups in El Salvador during the 1980s.[8] In the 2000s, former President Vicente Fox adopted a new foreign policy that calls for an openness and an acceptance of criticism from the international community and the increase of Mexican involvement in foreign affairs, as well as a further integration towards its northern neighbors.[9] A greater priority to Latin America and the Caribbean was given during the administration of President Felipe Calderón.[10]

Mexico is one of the founding members of several international organizations, most notably the United Nations,[11] the Organization of American States,[12] the Organization of Ibero-American States,[13] the OPANAL[14] and the Rio Group.[15] For a long time, Mexico has been one of the largest contributors to the United Nations regular budget, in 2008 over 40 million dollars were given to the organization.[16] In addition, it was the only Latin American member of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development since it joined in 1994 until the accession of Chile in 2010. Mexico is considered as a newly industrialized country,[17][18] a regional power[19][20] and an emerging market,[21] hence its presence in major economic groups such as the G8+5 and the G-20 major economies.

Foreign policy[edit]

Current headquarters of the Secretariat of Foreign Affairs.

The Article 89, Section 10 of the Political Constitution of the United Mexican States states the principles of the Mexican foreign policy,[1] which were officially incorporated in 1988.[22] The direction that the foreign policy will take lies on the President, as the head of state,[1] and it is executed through the Secretary of Foreign Affairs.[2] Textually, the article establishes that:

The powers and duties of the President are the following:

X. To direct the foreign policy and conclude international treaties, as well as end, denounce, suspend, modify, emend, retire reserves and formulate interpretative declarations about the formers, submitting them to the ratification of the Senate. In the conducting of this policy, the Head of the Executive Power will observe the following standard principles: the self-determination of peoples, the non-intervention, the peaceful resolution of disputes, the proscription of threat or the use of force in the international relations, the legal equality of states, the international cooperation for development, and the struggle for international peace and security.
Main article: Estrada Doctrine
The heads of delegations from left to right: Enrique Peña Nieto, François Hollande, Angela Merkel, Michelle Bachelet at the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference.

Aside from these principles constitutionally recognized, the foreign policy has been based on some doctrines. The Estrada Doctrine as the most influential and representative instrument in this field, proclaimed in the early 1930s and strictly applied until 2000,[3] claimed that foreign governments should not judge, positively or negatively, the governments or changes in government of other nations, since such action would be a breach of their sovereignty.[23] This policy was said to be based on the principles of non-intervention, peaceful resolution of disputes and self-determination of all nations.[3]

Main article: Castañeda Doctrine

During the first presidency of the National Action Party, Vicente Fox appointed Jorge Castañeda to be his Secretary of Foreign Affairs. Castañeda immediately broke with the Estrada Doctrine, promoting what was called by critics the "Castañeda Doctrine".[24] The new foreign policy called for an openness and an acceptance of criticism from the international community, and the increase of Mexican involvement in foreign affairs.[25]

On November 28, 2006, former President Felipe Calderón announced that Patricia Espinosa would serve as his Secretary of Foreign Affairs starting on December 1, 2006. He declared priorities include the diversification of the Mexico–United States agenda, heavily concentrated on immigration and security issues, and the rebuilding of diplomatic relations with Cuba and Venezuela, which were heavily strained during the Fox administration,[26] as well as giving greater priority to Latin America and the Caribbean states.[10]

Diplomatic relations[edit]

Mexican diplomatic missions overseas.
  Mexico.
  Embassy.
  Representative Office in the Palestinian Authority and Mexican Trade Office in Taiwan.

The Mexican foreign service officially started in 1822,[27] the year after the signing of the Treaty of Córdoba, which marked the beginning of the country's independence.[28] In 1831, legislation was passed that underpinned the establishment of diplomatic representations with other states in Europe and the Americas.[27]

As a regional power[19][20] and emerging market,[21] Mexico holds a significant global presence. As of 2009, the Secretary of Foreign Affairs has over 150 representations at its disposal overseas, which include:[29]

  • 79 embassies.
  • 68 consulates.
  • 8 permanent missions.

In the early 1970s, Mexico recognized the People's Republic of China as the sole and legitimate government of China,[30] therefore issues related to the Republic of China (Taiwan) are managed through the Office of Consular Liaison under the circumscription of the Consulate General of Mexico in the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau.[31] In addition, Mexico does not recognize Kosovo as an independent country.[32]

Historically, Mexico has remained neutral in international conflicts.[33] However, in recent years some political parties have proposed an amendment of the Constitution in order to allow the Mexican army, air force or navy to collaborate with the United Nations in peacekeeping missions, or to provide military help to countries that officially ask for it.[34]

List of countries with diplomatic relations[edit]

List of countries which Mexico maintains diplomatic relations with:

# Country Date
1  United States 12 December 1822[35]
2  Peru 23 January 1823[36]
3  Colombia 3 October 1823[37]
4  United Kingdom 26 December 1826[38]
5  Belgium 15 June 1827[39]
6  Netherlands 15 June 1827[39]
7  Denmark 19 July 1827[40]
8  Uruguay 22 February 1831[41]
9  Chile 7 March 1831[42]
10  Paraguay 3 June 1831[43]
11  Bolivia 21 November 1831[44]
12  Brazil 30 April 1834[45]
13  El Salvador 12 May 1835[46]
14  Venezuela 8 September 1835[47]
15  Spain 28 December 1836[48]
—  Ecuador (suspended) 1837[49][50]
16  Nicaragua 1839[51]
17  France 27 February 1840[52]
18  Austria 30 July 1842[40]
19  Guatemala 6 September 1848[53]
20  Italy 15 December 1874[54]
21  Costa Rica 3 August 1876[55]
22  Germany 23 January 1879[56]
23  Portugal 6 December 1879[57]
24  Honduras 1879[58]
25   Switzerland 31 December 1882[40]
26  Sweden 29 July 1885[59]
27  Japan 30 November 1888[60]
28  Argentina 20 December 1888[61]
29  Dominican Republic 29 March 1890[40]
30  Russia 11 December 1890[62]
31  Iran 14 May 1902[40]
32  Cuba 20 May 1903[63]
33  Norway 9 April 1906[64]
34  Czech Republic 20 July 1922[65]
35  Panama 29 May 1923[66]
36  Hungary 13 January 1926[67]
37  Poland 26 February 1928[68]
38  Turkey 12 July 1928[69]
39  Haiti 11 July 1929[70]
40  Romania 26 July 1935[71]
41  Finland 2 October 1936[72]
42  Bulgaria 6 January 1938[73]
43  Greece 17 May 1938[74]
44  Canada 30 January 1944[75]
45  Lebanon 12 June 1945[76]
46  Serbia 28 May 1946[77]
47  Luxembourg 8 January 1947[78]
48  Ethiopia 1 November 1949[79]
49  India 1 August 1950[80]
50  Syria 20 August 1950[81]
51  Iraq 25 September 1950[82]
52  Israel 1 July 1952[83]
53  Saudi Arabia 12 September 1952[84]
54  Indonesia 6 April 1953[85]
55  Philippines 14 April 1953[85]
56  Pakistan 19 January 1955[86]
57  Egypt 31 March 1958[87]
58  Sri Lanka 19 April 1960[88]
59  Afghanistan 27 June 1961[89]
60  Ghana 8 August 1961[90]
61  Tunisia 16 November 1961[91]
62  Guinea 25 January 1962[92]
63  South Korea 26 January 1962[93]
64  Senegal 9 May 1962[94]
65  Morocco 31 October 1962[95]
66  Iceland 24 March 1964[96]
67  Algeria 21 October 1964[97]
68  Australia 14 March 1966[98]
69  Trinidad and Tobago 29 April 1966[99]
70  Jamaica 4 February 1967[100]
71  China 14 February 1972[101]
72  Barbados 11 September 1972[102]
73  Tanzania 19 February 1973[103]
74  Guyana 1 March 1973[104]
75  New Zealand 19 July 1973[105]
76  Bahamas 23 January 1974[106]
77  Cyprus 21 February 1974[107]
78  Malaysia 27 March 1974[85]
79  Albania 15 October 1974[108]
80  Grenada 11 April 1975[108]
81  Vietnam 19 May 1975[108]
82  Mauritania 24 June 1975[108]
83  Qatar 30 June 1975[108]
84  Bangladesh 8 July 1975[108]
85  Jordan 9 July 1975[108]
86  Kuwait 23 July 1975[108]
87  Oman 31 July 1975[108]
88  Democratic Republic of the Congo 31 July 1975[108]
89  Bahrain 5 August 1975[108]
90  Somalia 5 August 1975[108]
91  Yemen 5 August 1975[108]
92  Libya 6 August 1975[108]
93  Gambia 16 August 1975[108]
94  Ireland 21 August 1975[108]
95  Thailand 28 August 1975[108]
96  Fiji 31 August 1975[108]
97  United Arab Emirates 12 September 1975[109]
98  Mongolia 24 September 1975[109]
99  Cambodia 26 September 1975[109]
100  Equatorial Guinea 26 September 1975[109]
101  Zambia 15 October 1975[109]
102  Malta 29 October 1975[109]
103  Togo 29 October 1975[109]
104  Benin 30 October 1975[109]
105  Niger 6 November 1975[109]
106  Ivory Coast 13 November 1975[109]
107  Lesotho 14 November 1975[109]
108  Maldives 15 November 1975[109]
109    Nepal 25 November 1975[109]
110  Suriname 25 November 1975[109]
111  Botswana 5 December 1975[109]
112  Cameroon 23 December 1975[109]
113  Eswatini 23 December 1975[109]
114  Singapore 23 December 1975[109]
115  Madagascar 26 December 1975[109]
116  Rwanda 21 January 1976[109]
117  Cape Verde 19 February 1976[109]
118  Uganda 20 February 1976[109]
119  Angola 20 February 1976[109]
120  Chad 25 February 1976[109]
121  Gabon 10 March 1976[109]
122  Nigeria 14 April 1976[109]
123  Papua New Guinea 19 May 1976[109]
124  Liberia 22 June 1976[109]
125  Burkina Faso 30 June 1976[109]
126  Sierra Leone 30 June 1976[109]
127  Mauritius 30 July 1976[109]
128  Myanmar 10 October 1976[85]
129  Laos 29 November 1976[85]
130  Kenya 15 March 1977[109]
131  Mali 23 March 1977[109]
132  Burundi 28 July 1977[109]
133  Dominica 19 April 1979[110]
134  Saint Lucia 17 May 1979[110]
—  Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic 24 September 1979[111]
135  North Korea 4 September 1980[112]
136  Belize 21 September 1981[113]
137  Sudan 19 October 1982
138  Guinea-Bissau 23 March 1983[114]
139  Antigua and Barbuda 14 September 1984[115]
140  Zimbabwe 12 March 1985[116]
141  Seychelles 1 June 1986[117]
142  Vanuatu 30 October 1986[98]
143  Mozambique 26 February 1988[79]
144  Djibouti 22 June 1989[79]
145  Namibia 17 April 1990[118]
146  Saint Kitts and Nevis 31 July 1990[119]
147  Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 31 July 1990[120]
148  São Tomé and Príncipe 10 September 1990[121]
149  Republic of the Congo 1990[122]
150  Brunei 2 October 1991[121]
151  Lithuania 5 November 1991[123]
152  Latvia 27 November 1991[124]
153  Estonia 5 December 1991[125]
154  Tajikistan 12 January 1992[126]
155  Armenia 14 January 1992[127]
156  Belarus 14 January 1992[128]
157  Ukraine 14 January 1992[129]
158  Moldova 4 February 1992[130]
159  Azerbaijan 10 February 1992[131]
160  Uzbekistan 16 March 1992[132]
161  Kyrgyzstan 27 March 1992[133]
162  Turkmenistan 27 March 1992[134]
163  Kazakhstan 13 April 1992[135]
164  Georgia 8 June 1992[136]
165  Slovenia 10 July 1992[137]
—  Holy See 21 September 1992[138]
166  Croatia 6 December 1992[121]
167  Marshall Islands 28 January 1993[139]
168  Eritrea 23 June 1993[81]
169  Slovakia 1 October 1993[140]
170  South Africa 27 October 1993[141]
171  Liechtenstein 1 July 1994[142]
172  Andorra 5 May 1995[121]
173  Malawi 10 December 1998[121]
174  Bosnia and Herzegovina 15 August 2001[121]
175  Nauru 21 September 2001[121]
176  Federated States of Micronesia 27 September 2001[121]
177  North Macedonia 4 October 2001[121]
178  Palau 17 October 2001[143]
179  East Timor 26 September 2003[121]
180  Kiribati 13 October 2005[144]
181  Tuvalu 27 September 2006[121]
182  San Marino 22 May 2007[145]
183  Montenegro 5 June 2007[121]
184  Monaco 21 March 2008[146]
185  Solomon Islands 26 September 2008[121]
186  Tonga 26 September 2008[121]
187  Comoros 13 October 2008[121]
188  Samoa 21 October 2008[121]
189  South Sudan 26 September 2011[147]
190  Central African Republic 4 February 2020[121]
—  Cook Islands 21 November 2023[148]

Bilateral relations[edit]

Africa[edit]

Country Formal Relations Began Notes
 Algeria October 21, 1964 See Algeria–Mexico relations
 Angola February 20, 1976 See Angola–Mexico relations
  • Angola is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, D.C., United States.
  • Mexico is accredited to Angola from its embassy in Abuja, Nigeria[151] and has an honorary consulate in Luanda.[152]
 Benin 1975
  • Benin is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, D.C., United States.[153]
  • Mexico is accredited to Benin from its embassy in Abuja, Nigeria.[151]
 Botswana December 5, 1975
  • Botswana is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, D.C., United States and maintains an honorary consulate in Mexico City.[154]
  • Mexico is accredited to Botswana from its embassy in Pretoria, South Africa.[155]
 Burkina Faso 1976
  • Burkina Faso is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, D.C., United States and an honorary consulate in Mexico City.[156]
  • Mexico is accredited to Burkina Faso from its embassy in Abuja, Nigeria.[151]
 Burundi July 28, 1977
  • Burundi is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, D.C., United States.[157]
  • Mexico is accredited to Burundi from its embassy in Nairobi, Kenya and maintains an honorary consulate Bujumbura.[158][159]
 Cameroon 1975
  • Cameroon is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, D.C., United States.[160]
  • Mexico is accredited to Cameroon from its embassy in Abuja, Nigeria.[151]
 Cape Verde 1976
  • Cape Verde is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, D.C., United States.[161]
  • Mexico is accredited to Cape Verde from its Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York City.[162][163]
 Central African Republic February 4, 2020

Both nations established diplomatic relations on February 4, 2020, in New York City, with the signing done by their respective ambassadors to the United Nations.[164]

  • Central African Republic does not have an accreditation to Mexico.
  • Mexico is accredited to the Central African Republic from its Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York City.
 Chad February 25, 1976 See Chad–Mexico relations

Chad and Mexico established diplomatic relations on February 25, 1976.[165] In May 2002, Chadian Prime Minister Nagoum Yamassoum paid a visit to the Mexican city of Monterrey to attend the Monterrey Consensus conference.[166]

  • Chad is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, D.C., United States.[167]
  • Mexico is accredited to Chad from its embassy in Cairo, Egypt.[168]
 Comoros October 2008
  • The Comoros does not have an accreditation to Mexico.
  • Mexico is accredited to the Comoros from its embassy in Nairobi, Kenya.[158]
 Democratic Republic of the Congo July 31, 1975 See Democratic Republic of the Congo–Mexico relations

Both nations established diplomatic relations on July 31, 1975.[169]

  • DR Congo does not have an accreditation to Mexico.
  • Mexico is accredited to DR Congo from its embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.[170]
 Republic of the Congo 1990
  • Republic of the Congo is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, D.C., United States.[171]
  • Mexico is accredited to the Republic of the Congo from its embassy in Abuja, Nigeria.[151]
 Djibouti June 22, 1989
  • Djibouti is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Havana, Cuba.
  • Mexico is accredited to Djibouti from its embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and maintains an honorary consulate in Djibouti City.[170][159]
 Egypt March 31, 1958 See Egypt–Mexico relations
  • Egypt has an embassy in Mexico City.[172]
  • Mexico has an embassy in Cairo.[168]
 Equatorial Guinea September 26, 1975 See Equatorial Guinea–Mexico relations

Both nations established diplomatic relations on September 26, 1975.[173]

  • Equatorial Guinea is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, D.C., United States.[174]
  • Mexico is accredited to Equatorial Guinea from its embassy in Abuja, Nigeria.[151]
 Eritrea June 23, 1993
  • Eritrea is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, D.C., United States.[175]
  • Mexico is accredited to Eritrea from its embassy in Cairo, Egypt.[168]
 Eswatini December 23, 1975
  • Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland) is accredited to Mexico from its Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York City.[176]
  • Mexico is accredited to Eswatini from its embassy in Pretoria, South Africa.[155]
 Ethiopia 1949 See Ethiopia–Mexico relations

After the Second Italo-Ethiopian War, Mexico was the only country to condemn the Italian occupation of Ethiopia at the League of Nations. Since then, relations between the two nations have strengthened. In Addis Ababa, Ethiopia thanked Mexico by naming a square in the city called "Mexico Square". Mexico named a metro station in Mexico City called Metro Etiopía.

  • Ethiopia is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, D.C., United States.[177]
  • Mexico has an embassy in Addis Ababa.[170]
 Gabon March 1976
  • Gabon is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, D.C., United States.[178]
  • Mexico is accredited to Gabon from its embassy in Abuja, Nigeria.[151]
 Gambia August 15, 1975
  • Gambia does not have an accreditation to Mexico.
  • Mexico is accredited to Gambia from its embassy in Accra, Ghana.[179]
 Ghana August 8, 1961 See Ghana–Mexico relations

Ghana and Mexico established diplomatic relations on August 8, 1961. Soon afterwards, both nations opened embassies in each other's capitals, respectively. In 1972, Ghana closed its embassy in Mexico City. Mexico closed its embassy in Accra in 1980.[180] Mexico re-opened its embassy in Ghana in 2013.

  • Ghana is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, D.C., United States.[181]
  • Mexico has an embassy in Accra.[179]
 Guinea January 25, 1962
  • Guinea is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Havana, Cuba.[182]
  • Mexico is accredited to Guinea from its embassy in Abuja, Nigeria.[151]
 Guinea-Bissau 1975
  • Guinea-Bissau does not have an accreditation to Mexico.
  • Mexico is accredited to Guinea-Bissau from its embassy in Rabat, Morocco.[183]
 Ivory Coast November 13, 1975 See Ivory Coast–Mexico relations
  • Ivory Coast has an embassy in Mexico City.[184]
  • Mexico is accredited to Ivory Coast from its embassy in Rabat, Morocco[183] and maintains an honorary consulate in Abidjan.[185]
 Kenya March 15, 1977 See Kenya–Mexico relations
  • Kenya is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, D.C., United States.[186]
  • Mexico has an embassy in Nairobi.[158]
 Lesotho 1975
  • Lesotho is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, D.C., United States.[187]
  • Mexico is accredited to Lesotho from its embassy in Pretoria, South Africa.[155]
 Liberia 1976
  • Liberia is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, D.C., United States.[188]
  • Mexico is accredited to Liberia from its embassy in Accra, Ghana.[179]
 Libya August 6, 1975 See Libya–Mexico relations
  • Libya has an embassy in Mexico City.
  • Mexico is accredited to Libya from its embassy in Algiers, Algeria.[150]
 Madagascar December 26, 1975
  • Madagascar is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, D.C., United States and maintains an honorary consulate in Mexico City.[189]
  • Mexico is accredited to Madagascar from its embassy in Pretoria, South Africa and maintains an honorary consulate in Antananarivo.[155][190]
 Malawi December 10, 1998
  • Malawi is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, D.C., United States.[191][190]
  • Mexico is accredited to Malawi from its embassy in Pretoria, South Africa.[155]
 Mali March 23, 1977
  • Mali is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, D.C., United States.[192]
  • Mexico is accredited to Mali from its embassy in Rabat, Morocco and has an honorary consulate in Bamako.[183][159]
 Mauritania June 24, 1975
  • Mauritania is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, D.C., United States.
  • Mexico is accredited to Mauritania from its embassy in Algiers, Algeria and maintains an honorary consulate in Nouakchott.[150][159]
 Mauritius July 30, 1976
  • Mauritius is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, D.C., United States.[193]
  • Mexico is accredited to Mauritius from its embassy in Pretoria, South Africa and maintains an honorary consulate in Port Louis.[155][159]
 Morocco October 31, 1962 See Mexico–Morocco relations
 Mozambique February 26, 1988 See Mexico–Mozambique relations
  • Mexico is accredited to Mozambique from its embassy in Pretoria, South Africa.[155]
  • Mozambique is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, D.C., United States.
 Namibia April 17, 1990 See Mexico–Namibia relations

Mexico recognized and established diplomatic relations with Namibia on April 17, 1990. In 1993, Mexico opened an embassy in Windhoek, however, the embassy was closed in 2002.[196]

  • Mexico is accredited to Namibia from its embassy in Pretoria, South Africa.[155]
  • Namibia is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, D.C., United States.[197]
 Niger November 6, 1975
  • Mexico is accredited to Niger from its embassy in Abuja, Nigeria.[151]
  • Niger is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, D.C., United States.[198]
 Nigeria April 14, 1976 See Mexico–Nigeria relations
  • Mexico has an embassy in Abuja.[151]
  • Nigeria has an embassy in Mexico City.[199]
 Rwanda January 21, 1976
  • Mexico is accredited to Rwanda from its embassy in Nairobi, Kenya and maintains an honorary consulate in Kigali.[158][159]
  • Rwanda is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, D.C., United States.[200]
 Sahrawi Republic September 8, 1979 See Mexico–Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic relations
  • Mexico is accredited to the Sahrawi Republic from its Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York City.[162]
  • Sahrawi Republic has an embassy in Mexico City.[201]
 São Tomé and Príncipe ~1989[202]
  • Mexico is accredited to São Tomé and Príncipe from its Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York City.[162]
  • São Tomé and Príncipe does not have an accreditation to Mexico.
 Senegal May 1962 See Mexico–Senegal relations
  • Mexico is accredited to Senegal from its embassy in Rabat, Morocco.[183] and maintains an honorary consulate in Dakar.[203]
  • Senegal is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, D.C., United States and maintains an honorary consulate in Mexico City.[204]
 Seychelles 1986
  • Mexico is accredited to the Seychelles from its embassy in Nairobi, Kenya.[158]
  • Seychelles does not have an accreditation to Mexico.
 Sierra Leone 1976
  • Mexico is accredited to Sierra Leone from its embassy in Accra, Ghana.[179]
  • Sierra Leone does not have an accreditation to Mexico.
 Somalia August 5, 1975
  • Mexico is accredited to Somalia from its embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.[170]
  • Somalia does not have an accreditation to Mexico.
 South Africa 26 October 1993 See Mexico–South Africa relations

There were no official relations between Mexico and South Africa before 1993. After the end of Apartheid in South Africa, the countries established relations.

 South Sudan September 26, 2011
  • Mexico is accredited to South Sudan from its embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.[170]
  • South Sudan does not have an accreditation to Mexico.
 Sudan October 19, 1982

Mexico and Sudan established diplomatic relations on October 19, 1982.[206]

  • Mexico is accredited to Sudan from its embassy in Cairo, Egypt[168] and maintains an honorary consulate in Khartoum.[185]
  • Sudan does not have an embassy accredited to Mexico.
 Tanzania February 19, 1973 See Mexico–Tanzania relations
  • Mexico is accredited to Tanzania from its embassy in Nairobi, Kenya[158] and maintains an honorary consulate in Dar es Salaam.[207]
  • Tanzania is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, D.C., United States[208] and maintains an honorary consulate in Mexico City.[209]
 Togo October 29, 1975
  • Mexico is accredited to Togo from its embassy in Abuja, Nigeria.[151]
  • Togo is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, D.C., United States.[210]
 Tunisia November 17, 1961 See Mexico–Tunisia relations
  • Mexico is accredited to Tunisia from its embassy in Algiers, Algeria and maintains an honorary consulate in Tunis.[150]
  • Tunisia is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, D.C., United States.[211]
 Uganda February 20, 1976 See Mexico–Uganda relations
  • Mexico is accredited to Uganda from its embassy in Nairobi, Kenya[158] and maintains an honorary consulate in Kampala.[185]
  • Uganda is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, D.C., United States.[212]
 Zambia October 15, 1975
  • Mexico is accredited to Zambia from its embassy in Pretoria, South Africa.[155]
  • Zambia is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, D.C., United States.[213]
 Zimbabwe March 1985 See Mexico–Zimbabwe relations

Mexico and Zimbabwe established diplomatic relations in March 1985. Mexico opened an embassy in Harare in 1990, however, the embassy later closed in 1994.[214]

  • Mexico is accredited to Zimbabwe from its embassy in Pretoria, South Africa.[155]
  • Zimbabwe is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, D.C., United States.[215]

Americas[edit]

The VII Summit of the Pacific Alliance
NAFTA Initialing Ceremony, October 1992. From left to right (standing) President Carlos Salinas de Gortari, President George H. W. Bush, Prime Minister Brian Mulroney. (Seated) Jaime Serra Puche, Carla Hills, Michael Wilson.

Since the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) went into effect on January 1, 1994, relations between Canada, Mexico and the United States have significantly strengthened politically, economically, socially and culturally.[216] During the Fox administration, a further integration towards Mexico's northern neighbors was a top priority.[9] The September 11 attacks changed the priorities of U.S. foreign policy toward the strengthening of regional security.[217] As a result, several trilateral summit meetings regarding this issue have occurred within the framework of the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America (SPP), a region-level dialogue with the stated purpose of providing greater cooperation on security and economic issues,[218] founded in Waco, Texas on March 23, 2005, by Paul Martin, former Prime Minister of Canada, Vicente Fox, then-President of Mexico, and George W. Bush, former President of the United States.[218]

Other issues of concern are the ones related to conservation and protection of the environment, the North American Agreement on Environmental Cooperation (NAAEC) consists of a declaration of principles and objectives concerning this issues as well as concrete measures to further cooperation on these matters tripartitely.[219] In addition, the Independent Task Force on North America advocates a greater economic and social integration between Canada, Mexico and the U.S. as a region.[220] It is a group of prominent business, political and academic leaders from the three countries organized and sponsored by the Council on Foreign Relations (U.S.), the Canadian Council of Chief Executives, and the Mexican Council on Foreign Relations.[221]

Mexico is an observer of several regional organizations such as the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR), the Southern Common Market (Mercosur) and the Andean Community of Nations (CAN). Former President of Argentina Néstor Kirchner expressed, during a state visit in Mexico City, that Mexico should become a full member of Mercosur,[222] other Latin American leaders such as Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva[223] and Tabaré Vázquez share this vision and have extended the invitation, the latter emphasized Mexico's key role in integration of Latin America and the Caribbean and stated that:[224]

Country Formal Relations Began Notes
 Antigua and Barbuda September 14, 1984 See Antigua and Barbuda–Mexico relations
  • Antigua and Barbuda has a non-resident ambassador accredited to Mexico from its capital in St. John's.[225]
  • Mexico is accredited to Antigua and Barbuda from its embassy in Castries, Saint Lucia and maintains an honorary consulate in St. John's.[226]
 Argentina 1824 See Argentina–Mexico relations
Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador along with Argentine President Alberto Fernández in Iguala, Mexico; February 2021.

First contacts started in 1818 with the United Provinces of South America.[227] Due to internal conflicts in each nation, relations between Mexico and Argentina were established de jure until the 1880s when both countries officially accredited their respective representations, upgraded to embassies in 1927.[227] On May 20, 1914, accredited diplomats from Argentina, Brazil and Chile, known as the ABC countries, met in Niagara Falls, Canada, to prevent a war between Mexico and the United States, potentially possible due to measures taken by then-U.S. President Woodrow Wilson concerning the Tampico Affair.[228]

Relations reached their lowest point during the rule of the military government in Argentina, because of the asylum provided by Mexico to Héctor Cámpora and Abal Medina.[227] Nearly at the end of the López Portillo administration in April 1982, Argentina challenged the British government when they invaded the Falkland Islands. Mexico acknowledged the Argentine rights over the islands but condemned the use of force to solve the conflict and supported a resolution of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) that called for an end of hostilities.[229]

In 2005, during the Fourth Summit of the Americas in Mar de Plata, Argentina, tensions between the two countries started when former President Vicente Fox canceled the anticipatively programmed bilateral reunion with then-President Néstor Kirchner.[230] At the Summit, Fox actively promoted the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) and suggested the exclusion of those who did not agree; Argentina, Brazil and Venezuela argued that the Summit was not meant to discuss the FTAA and rejected the proposition.[230] At the end of the ceremony, Fox expressed that "the most important countries of the Americas (Canada, Mexico and the U.S.) supported the FTAA, and the secondary ones (Cuba, Venezuela and the members of Mercosur) were against it".[230] Later, he criticized Kirchner's interest of "pleasing the Argentine public opinion",[231] who responded that "Fox should only care for the affairs that involve Mexico [...] and good diplomacy was not about bowing down to powerful countries".[231] The respective Ministries of Foreign Affairs redacted a joint communiqué apologizing for the incident and reminded the "importance of the good relations for both countries".[231] In 2007, when Kirchner paid a state visit, he and President Felipe Calderón signed a "Strategic Partnership Agreement" to strengthen bilateral ties.[232]

In recent years, both partners, along with Colombia, Italy, Pakistan, South Korea, Turkey and six other countries, developed a movement called Uniting for Consensus, nicknamed the "Coffee Club", in opposition to the possible expansion of the United Nations Security Council.[233] Argentina and Mexico, specifically, do not support the integration of Brazil as a permanent member of the UNSC.[234]

 Bahamas January 24, 1974 See Bahamas–Mexico relations
  • The Bahamas is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, D.C., United States.[237]
  • Mexico is accredited to the Bahamas from its embassy in Kingston, Jamaica and maintains an honorary consulate in Nassau.[238]
 Barbados September 11, 1972 See Barbados–Mexico relations
  • Barbados is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, D.C., United States.[239]
  • Mexico is accredited to Barbados from its embassy in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago and maintains an honorary consulate in Bridgetown.[240][241]
 Belize 1981 See Belize–Mexico relations

Diplomatic relations between both nations were established in 1981 after Belize obtained independence from the United Kingdom.

 Bolivia 1831 See Bolivia–Mexico relations
Official visit to Mexico of the President of Bolivia, Luis Alberto Arce Catacora.
  • Bolivia has an embassy in Mexico City.[244]
  • Mexico has an embassy in La Paz.[245]

Both nations are full members of the Association of Spanish Language Academies, Organization of American States, Organization of Ibero-American States and Rio Group.

 Brazil August 7, 1824 See Brazil–Mexico relations
Felipe Calderon and Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, president of Brazil (right).

Mexico and Brazil represent more than half of population, territory and economic development in Latin America, and have the major prestige in the region.[246] Considered as regional powers by analysts,[19][20] relations between the two countries remain good. In the economic area, both are members of the ALADI, the G8+5 and the G-20.[246]

Diplomatic relations between Mexico and Brazil were formally established in the 1820s.[247] During the French Intervention in Mexico, and subsequent Second Mexican Empire, every Latin American country, except Guatemala and the Brazilian Empire, refused to recognize the government of Maximilian I of Mexico.[248] In 1914, an incident occurred in the Port of Tampico[249] that was enough to lead the U.S. to send troops to occupy the Port of Veracruz, which coincided with the provision of military aid by Germany to General Victoriano Huerta.[228] The governments of Argentina, Brazil and Chile, that were given the term ABC countries, supported by then-U.S. President Woodrow Wilson, offered their mediation to solve the dispute peacefully. The ABC countries met in Niagara Falls, Canada to prevent a war between Mexico and the U.S.[228] Legitimate President Venustiano Carranza refused to participate because discussions regarding the ideal form of government that should be established in Mexico took place at the Niagara Falls conferences. Followers of Carranza condemned these actions and refused to accept any foreign aid.[228] Nonetheless, the ABC Pact of 1915 was successfully implemented during the following years. Since the 1970s, relations between Mexico and Brazil have been substantially strengthened.[250]

In October 2006, President-elect Felipe Calderón visited Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, to deepen the dialogue and cooperation between the two countries.[246] The governments of Brazil and Mexico look for maintaining an opened dialogue with several visits to strengthen the bilateral relations and allow a major exchange in areas such as non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, human rights, environment and energy.[246] Thus the Brazil-Mexico Bilateral Commission was released in March 2007 to strengthen their relations.[251] In August 2007, when President "Lula" da Silva paid a state visit, both leaders agreed to coordinate their foreign policies towards Latin America in order to further integrate the region.[252]

In the multilateral scene, Brazil and Mexico's actions are guided by solid principles such as respect for international law, defense of multilateralism, social justice and democratization of international relations. As noted, both countries share views internationally.[246] However, some differences remain, being the most significant the Reform of the United Nations Security Council.[234] Brazil and Mexico, along with India, the People's Republic of China and South Africa, often represent the interests of the developing countries through economic forums such as the G8+5 and the G-20.[253]

 Canada January 30, 1944 See Canada–Mexico relations
Press conference between Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto in Ottawa; 2016.

Formal relations did not begin until 1944,[258] at the height of the Second World War, which both countries participated in on the Allied side.[259] Prior to the negotiations around the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), economic and political ties between Mexico and Canada were relatively weak. Since NAFTA has come into force, the two countries have become much more important to each other, and often collaborate when dealing with the United States, for example with issues related to the economic embargo imposed to Cuba.[260]

Currently, Mexico and Canada are close friends and strategic partners and benefit from a very active bilateral relationship which includes ever increasing commercial ties, high-level political exchanges and an expanding collaborative network between Mexicans and Canadians in areas such as climate change, culture, energy, education, good governance, human rights and public service modernization. And more recently, both countries have been building a closer security and defense relationship.[258]

In recent years, both partners along with Italy, Argentina, Pakistan and other eight countries have sought a reform of the United Nations Security Council and its working methods[233] Which form a group informally called the Coffee Club, that opposes to the proposition of the G4.[234]

 Chile 1821 See Chile–Mexico relations

In the early 1820s, Chile and Mexico established diplomatic relations, both countries had interest of integrating the region, however, due to Mexico's economic and political instability the project did not go further.[261] In 1914, due to the Tampico Affair, then-U.S. President Woodrow Wilson ordered the occupation of the Port of Veracruz. Once Wilson realized that his objectives had failed, he appealed to the accredited diplomats of Argentina, Brazil and Chile, known as the ABC countries, to mediate and find a peaceful solution to the international conflict preventing a war between Mexico and the U.S.[228]

Based on the principle of ideological plurality, the Mexican government actively supported the regimes of Fidel Castro in Cuba and Salvador Allende in Chile. After the coup d'état of September 11, 1973, Mexico condemned the dictatorship of General Augusto Pinochet, but did not break off diplomatic relations immediately due to the amount of Chileans seeking for asylum refuged in the Mexican embassy.[262] Months later, then-President Luis Echeverría formally broke off diplomatic ties with Chile.[262]

Relations were reestablished in 1990 after the Chilean transition to democracy with the election of Patricio Aylwin.[263] A Free Trade Agreement with Chile was signed in April 1998 and went into force on August 1, 1999.[264] Since then, bilateral trade has significantly increased and exceeded the US$3.3 billion mark as of 2006. In addition, Mexico has become Chile's main Latin American investor, accumulating nearly US$870 million.[263] Under the Fox administration, the candidacy of then-Minister of Foreign Affairs Luis Ernesto Derbez for the Secretary General of the Organization of American States was highly promoted. It eventually failed but brought a diplomatic crisis with Chile when Derbez had announced that he would no longer compete against José Miguel Insulza, however, the Mexican delegation abstained despite being previously agreed that it would vote for the Chilean candidate.[265] Bilateral relations were raised to a new level during the state visit of President Michelle Bachelet to Mexico in March 2007, both countries put into effect a "Strategic Partnership Agreement" aimed at bolstering trade, political, diplomatic and cultural relations, as well as ties with civil society. It also creates a fund that will provide US$2 million a year for development projects in Chile, Mexico and third countries.[266]

 Colombia October 3, 1823 See Colombia–Mexico relations
 Costa Rica 1838 See Costa Rica–Mexico relations

Diplomatic relations between Mexico and Costa Rica began in 1838.

 Cuba 1902 See Cuba–Mexico relations

In 1902, Mexico became the first country to ever recognize and establish relations with the Republic of Cuba once it gained full sovereignty.[273] The cultural ties between the two nations became stronger during the following decades. In the mid-20th century, the Cuban Revolution took place, culminating with the triumph of the July 26 Movement on January 1, 1959. In 1964, when Cuba was expelled from the Organization of American States Mexico did not support this resolution and abstained.[274] Mexico thereafter maintained diplomatic relations with Cuba, which effectively established it as the sole link between Fidel Castro and the rest of the hemisphere because none of the other Latin American governments recognized Cuba's revolutionary regime until after 1970.[274] Since then, Mexico constantly supported Cuba in international organizations and multilateral forums, and strongly opposed to the economic embargo imposed to the Caribbean island in the early 1960s.[275]

Relations remained strong and stable until 1998 when Fidel Castro, declared that Mexican children were more knowledgeable on Disney characters than on key figures in Mexican history, such declarations led Mexico to recall its ambassador from Havana. He later apologized and said that his words were meant to underscore the cultural dominance of the U.S.[276] On November 16, 1999, then Mexican President Ernesto Zedillo highly criticized the lack of democracy and political freedom in Cuba during his official visit to the Caribbean island.[277] Relations worsened when then President Vicente Fox, from the National Action Party, redirected the country's Castañeda Doctrine on foreign policy. In April 2002, the UN Human Rights Commission again criticized Cuba's rights record, the resolution was sponsored by Uruguay and supported by many of countries traditionally friendly towards Cuba, such as Mexico, that historically had abstained.[278] The same month, Fox apologized to Fidel Castro over allegations by Castro that Fox forced him at the last minute to leave the United Nations International Conference on Financing for Development in Monterrey, Mexico, in order to favor the presence of former U.S. President George W. Bush, who also attended and likely requested Castro's removal. Castro, Cuba, and even many Mexicans saw this as an insult, and relations between the two countries reached their lowest point.[279]

Under the Calderón administration, Mexico concentrated on rebuilding diplomatic relations with Havana.[26] On December 15–17, 2008, in the framework of the "First Latin American and Caribbean Summit for Integration and Development", President Calderón introduced Cuba to the regional organization Rio Group and held talks with President Raúl Castro about topics of interests for both countries. They both agreed to schedule mutual visits for 2009,[280] and put emphasis on strengthening the friendship, cooperation, integration, trade and support. Both countries share the vision of a permanent fight against poverty and organized crime.

With seven months before the six-year term of Felipe Calderón came to an end, he made plans to visit Cuba to "patch up the bruise" and discuss possible business relations, which included oil deals.[281] In April 2012, President Felipe Calderón traveled to Cuba and met with Raúl Castro to fix the broken relationship between the two countries. During his time in Cuba, Calderón condemned the 50-year-old U.S. trade embargo against Cuba.[282]

 Dominica April 3, 1979 See Dominica–Mexico relations
  • Dominica is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, D.C., United States.
  • Mexico is accredited to Dominica from its embassy in Castries, Saint Lucia and maintains an honorary consulate in Roseau.[226]
 Dominican Republic July 23, 1888 See Dominican Republic–Mexico relations
 Ecuador 1837 See Ecuador–Mexico relations

In April 2024, Mexico severed diplomatic relations with Ecuador due to the raid on the Mexican embassy in Ecuador.[286]

 El Salvador 1838 See El Salvador–Mexico relations

Diplomatic relations between Mexico and El Salvador were established in 1838.

 Grenada April 11, 1975 See Grenada–Mexico relations
  • Grenada is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, D.C., United States.[289]
  • Mexico is accredited to Grenada from its embassy in Castries, Saint Lucia and maintains an honorary consulate in St. George's.[226]
 Guatemala 6 September 1848 See Guatemala–Mexico relations

Diplomatic relations between Mexico and Guatemala began in 1838 after the dissolution of the Federal Republic of Central America.

 Guyana March 1, 1973 See Guyana–Mexico relations
  • Guyana is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, D.C., United States.[294]
  • Mexico has an embassy in Georgetown.[295]
 Haiti 11 July 1929 See Haiti–Mexico relations
 Honduras 1879 See Honduras–Mexico relations
 Jamaica March 18, 1966 See Jamaica–Mexico relations
 Nicaragua 1838 See Mexico–Nicaragua relations
  • Mexico has an embassy in Managua.[301]
  • Nicaragua has an embassy in Mexico City.
 Panama March 1, 1904 See Mexico–Panama relations
 Paraguay 1831 See Mexico–Paraguay relations
 Peru 1883 See Mexico–Peru relations

Mexico and Peru have historically had a unique relationship solidly based on that they share two of the most significant ancient cultures in the Americas. Both countries have expressed solidarity over the need to defend the recovery of cultural and archaeological heritage in the form of artifacts that have been illegally stolen from Peru and Mexico and which are to this date, illegally or legitimately kept in foreign locations. Peru's President Alan García and Mexico's Felipe Calderón signed a joint declaration in April 2011 aimed at deepening the two countries' friendship, cooperation, integration, trade, investments and the permanent fight against poverty and organized crime. The two countries aim to achieve a new model of integration within Latin America, and to represent a positive, realistic, and active example of integration amongst two "brotherly" nations.

  • Mexico has an embassy in Lima.[306]
  • Peru has an embassy in Mexico City.[307]
 Saint Kitts and Nevis July 31, 1990 See Mexico–Saint Kitts and Nevis relations
  • Mexico is accredited to Saint Kitts an Nevis from its embassy in Castries, Saint Lucia and maintains an honorary consulate in Basseterre.[226]
  • Saint Kitts and Nevis is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, D.C., United States.
 Saint Lucia May 17, 1979 See Mexico–Saint Lucia relations
  • Mexico has an embassy in Castries.[226]
  • Saint Lucia is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, D.C., United States.[308]
 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines July 31, 1990 See Mexico–Saint Vincent and the Grenadines relations
  • Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, D.C., United States.
  • Mexico is accredited to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines from its embassy in Castries, Saint Lucia and maintains an honorary consulate in Kingstown.[226]
 Suriname 1975 See Mexico–Suriname relations
  • Mexico is accredited to Suriname from its embassy in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.[240]
  • Suriname is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, D.C., United States.[309]
 Trinidad and Tobago April 30, 1966 See Mexico–Trinidad and Tobago relations
  • Mexico has an embassy in Port of Spain.[240]
  • Trinidad and Tobago is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, D.C., United States.[310]
 United States 1821 See Mexico–United States relations
U.S. President Biden and Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, November 2021.

When Mexico gained its independence from Spain in 1821, the United States was the first country to recognize it.[311] On December 12, 1822, the then-United States Secretary of State John Quincy Adams introduced José Manuel Zozoya, the first Mexican representative, to the then-U.S. president James Monroe in the White House. Through this event, the U.S. recognized de facto the independence of Mexico and the recently born Mexican Empire led by Agustín de Iturbide. However, Washington did not establish diplomatic relations formally with Mexico until 1825, naming Joel Poinsett as its representative, who had the mission of buying territory and getting trading facilities.[312]

The Mexican–American War was a conflict that sparked when the U.S. annexed Texas in 1845 and the Mexican government refused to recognize the secession of Texas which was the precursor to the annexation.[313] The war, which began in 1846 and lasted for two years, was settled via the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo which led to Mexico giving up even more of its land to the U.S., including California.[314] Mexico further transferred some of its territories (southern Arizona and New Mexico) to the U.S. via the Gadsden Purchase in 1854.[315]

In the Reform War, that lasted from 1858 to 1861, the liberals led by Benito Juárez, were given the U.S. recognition as the legitimate government in Mexico.[316] Meanwhile, the conservatives, headed by Comonfort, Zuloaga and Miramón, brought a European Emperor to govern the country, Maximilian I, which led to the French Intervention in 1862,[317] violating the Monroe Doctrine, there was nothing the U.S. could do, as it was involved in its own civil war.[318] Affecting Mexico's foreign policy, both sides, the Union and the Confederacy, were looking for international recognition as well. The Juárez administration was ideologically closer to the Union, but geographically Mexico shared a large border with the Confederacy.[318] In 1861, the then-U.S. President Abraham Lincoln named Thomas Corwin as his minister for Mexico and instructed him to neutralize the Mexican aid given to the Confederates; he successfully achieved this mission.[318] Once the civil war ended, then-Secretary of State William Seward declared that the French invasion in Mexico was harmful to the friendship between France and the U.S., and Washington provided financial aid to Benito Juárez, who successfully expelled the French in 1867.[318]

Lasting for seven years, the 1910 Mexican Revolution ended the rule of the dictator-president Porfirio Díaz. The war was sparked when the U.S.-supported Díaz was proclaimed the winner of the 1910 elections despite mass popular support for his rival in the election Francisco I. Madero.[319] After the war, the various groups that made up the revolutionary forces splintered as they lost the unifying goal of unseating Díaz —leading to a civil war.[320] The U.S. intervened in the conflict, including the involvement of the U.S. ambassador, Henry Lane Wilson, in the plotting of the 1913 coup d'état which overthrew Madero.[321]

First ladies Paloma Cordero of Mexico (left) and Nancy Reagan of the United States (right) with U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, John Gavin observing the damage done by the earthquake.

The 1917 Constitution of Mexico caused several problems with the British and American transnational oil companies mainly derived from the article 27, which declares that "the wealth contained in the soil, the subsoil, the waters and seas of Mexico belongs to the Nation; the right to land ownership and to exploit the subsoil may therefore only be granted by the Nation."[322] Due to foreign pressure, the implementation of the article was continuously ignored by the government until March 18, 1938, when then-President Lázaro Cárdenas nationalized the oil industry.[323] PEMEX replaced the 17 Anglo-American companies, however, the country faced hard retaliations from the transnational oil companies, as well as an international boycott that could be overcome ten years later.[324]

During the Cold War, demonstrating independence from the United States, Mexico supported the Cuban government during the 1960s,[6] the Sandinista revolution in Nicaragua during the late 1970s,[7] and leftist revolutionary groups in El Salvador during the 1980s.[8]

The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) went into effect on January 1, 1994, which led to the elimination of tariffs and other trade barriers between Mexico and the U.S. and serves as a multilateral platform for cooperation between both countries.[325] The agreement increased trade volume and cooperation in both countries.[326] The free trade agreement has been increasingly opposed by Mexican and U.S. farmers, with many groups and the political left presenting that it hurts the interest of traditional, small and local farmers in both countries.[327] Allegations of violations of labor and environmental laws have been considered by the trilateral institutions.[328] The Bush Administration argued that NAFTA had had modest positive impacts on all three member countries, but Mexican farmers have strongly criticized the effects of the agreement as they have become overshadowed by the large corporations benefiting from NAFTA.[329] Notable bilateral trade disputes relate to trucking, tuna, sweeteners and anti-dumping measures.[330] Currently, the United States is the number one destination for Mexican exports. The U.S. also exports more goods into Mexico than any other country in the world.

Migration,[328] border security[331] and trade issues[330] have dominated the bilateral relationship in recent years. In September 2006, Congress approved the Secure Fence Act of 2006 (P.L. 109–367) to authorize the construction of a border fence and other barriers along 700 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border.[332] In March 2009, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton officially visited Mexico to discuss issues of concern for both countries, specifically the ones related to drug trafficking and U.S. financial support in the Mexican drug war.[333] Another persistent and growing problem[334] is the international parental kidnapping of children to Mexico by non-custodial parents and family members. Mexico is the most common destination for parents that have abducted their children across international borders with the vast majority of those children coming from the United States.[335]

 Uruguay February 22, 1831 See Mexico–Uruguay relations
 Venezuela 1842 See Mexico–Venezuela relations

Historically the two countries have had good diplomatic relations. Ever since both countries became important players in the oil industry, some competitive tensions arose, eventually leading to disputes after Mexico signed an agreement to join NAFTA. During President Vicente Fox's term, relations between the two countries became critically strained to the point of recalling one another's ambassadors. It has been clear that diplomatic ties between both countries are not indefinitely severed, in recent years numerous groups, both in Mexico and Venezuela are working to restore the diplomatic relationship between the two countries, as they are of strategic economic and cultural importance. In August 2007, after two years of diplomatic absence in either country, normal relations were re-established with the appointment of former foreign minister Roy Chaderton as Venezuela's envoy in Mexico City and the transfer of Jesús Mario Chacón Carrillo, formerly Mexican ambassador to Colombia, to Caracas. Both countries are founding members of the Latin American Integration Association.

Asia[edit]

Country Formal Relations Began Notes
 Afghanistan June 27, 1961 See Afghanistan–Mexico relations

The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in the United States was accredited to Mexico until it closed on March 16, 2022, in the wake of the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan.[340][341]

Mexico is accredited to Afghanistan from its embassy in Tehran, Iran.[342]

 Armenia January 14, 1992 See Armenia–Mexico relations
 Azerbaijan January 14, 1992 See Azerbaijan–Mexico relations
  • Azerbaijan has an embassy in Mexico City.[345]
  • Mexico has an embassy in Baku.[346]
 Bahrain August 5, 1975
  • Bahrain is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, D.C., United States.[347]
  • Mexico is accredited to Bahrain from its embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and maintains an honorary consulate in Manama.[348]
 Bangladesh 1975 See Bangladesh–Mexico relations
  • Bangladesh has an embassy in Mexico City.[349]
  • Mexico is accredited to Bangladesh from its embassy New Delhi, India.[350]
 Bhutan
  • Both nations have not established diplomatic relations.
 Brunei October 2, 1991
  • Brunei is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, D.C.[351]
  • Mexico is accredited to Brunei from its embassy in Singapore.[352][353]
 Cambodia September 1976
  • Cambodia is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, D.C., United States.[354][355]
  • Mexico is accredited to Cambodia from its embassy in Hanoi, Vietnam.[356]
 China 1972 See China–Mexico relations
President Enrique Peña Nieto with President of China Xi Jinping

Mexico and the People's Republic of China established relations amidst tensions in 1972, and in recent years have seen an intense export rivalry over the United States market, with the Mexican government having accused the Chinese of impinging on its export territory by flooding the US with cheap goods manufactured in low-wage factories.

In 2005, Chinese President Hu Jintao came to Mexico promising increased investment in industries like automobile-parts manufacture and mineral exportation. In July 2008, Mexican President Felipe Calderón reciprocated with a visit to Beijing in a bid to improve bilateral trade. Nevertheless, China has focussed more on South American commodity producers such as Brazil and Chile to meet this end and fuel its chiefly-export economy.

 East Timor September 26, 2003 See East Timor–Mexico relations
  • East Timor is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, D.C., United States.[363]
  • Mexico is accredited to East Timor from its embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia and maintains an honorary consulate in Dili.[364]
 Georgia June 8, 1992 See Georgia-Mexico relations
  • Georgia has an embassy in Mexico City.[365]
  • Mexico is accredited to Georgia from its embassy in Ankara, Turkey[366]
 India August 1, 1950 See India–Mexico relations
President Vicente Fox with Prime Minister of India Manmohan Singh.

Under the Fox administration, several visits and bilateral meetings occurred concerning diverse areas such as economy, technology and culture. In April 2004, the "Group of Friendship Mexico-India" was established at the LIX Legislature. To promote a major rapprochement with India, then-Secretary of Foreign Affairs Luis Ernesto Derbez met with his Indian counterpart in mid-2004 in Washington, D.C., and officially visited New Delhi in August, where both ministers agreed to celebrate the IV Binational Commission, formerly suspended in 1996, with the aim of strengthening the bilateral agenda. In May 2007, India and Mexico signed the "Bilateral Investment Protection Agreement" (BIPA) to strengthen their trading relations, with proximity to the U.S., the joint ventures would enable Indian companies to increase their presence in the world's biggest market, taking advantage of Mexico's membership in the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

Relationship with India was tightened by visit of Indian prime minister Narendra Modi in 2016 June. This visit was visit of Indian prime minister after a long time of 30 years. This time Mexico also supported India to join Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).

 Indonesia 1953 See Indonesia–Mexico relations
 Iran October 15, 1964 See Iran–Mexico relations
Mexican First Lady Carmen Romano and President José López Portillo accompanying Iranian Queen Consort Tadj ol-Molouk in Mexico City; 1978.

The first diplomatic relations between Mexico and Persia (modern-day Iran) date back to 1889, although cooperation and trade between the two friend nations was not formally established until 1937.[369] Mexico and Iran have enjoyed increasingly close political and economic relations over the years, growing with the volume of bilateral trade and economic cooperation. The two countries aim to expand cooperation in several sectors, sharing science and technology, particularly in the oil industry. Both countries have also shared successful experiences in cultural cooperation and exchange. In 2008, an agreement to form a Mexico-Iran parliamentary friendship group was made at the Mexican parliament.

 Iraq September 25, 1950 See Iraq–Mexico relations
  • Iraq has an embassy in Mexico City.[371]
  • Mexico is accredited to Iraq from its embassy in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.[372]
 Israel January 1950 See Israel–Mexico relations

Mexico recognized the State of Israel in January 1950. In 2000, a free trade agreement was signed between the two nations.

 Japan 1888 See Japan–Mexico relations
President Enrique Peña Nieto and Prime Minister Shinzō Abe at a press conference during an official visit to Japan by President Peña Nieto in April 2013.

The Treaty of Amity, Commerce and Navigation concluded in 1888 between the two countries was Japan's first "equal" treaty with a foreign country.[375] In 1897, the 35 members of the so-called Enomoto Colonization Party settle in the Mexican state of Chiapas to grow coffee, this was the first organized emigration from Japan to Latin America.[375] Former Mexican President Álvaro Obregón was awarded Japan's Order of the Chrysanthemum at a special ceremony in Mexico City. On November 27, 1924, Baron Shigetsuma Furuya, Special Ambassador from Japan to Mexico, conferred the honor on Obregón. It was reported that this had been the first time that the Order had been conferred outside the Imperial family.[376] In 1952, Mexico becomes the second country to ratify the San Francisco Peace Treaty, preceded only by the United Kingdom.[375] On September 17, 2004, Mexico and Japan signed a free trade agreement, formally known as the "Agreement Between Japan and the United Mexican States for the Strengthening of the Economic Partnership", which went into effect in April 2005.[377] This was one among many historic steps led by Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi to strengthen global economic stability. As a result, in 2007 Mexico became Japan's largest trading partner in Latin America.[377] Over sixty treaties and agreements have been signed between the two countries, standing out the ones related to technological and scientific cooperation, several academic and cultural exchanges, as well as an increasing inter-parliamentary dialogue.[375][378] Mexico currently enjoys very good social and economic relations with Japan and is major center of Japanese investment. Japan has invested heavily in the Mexican industrial, automotive, technology and manufacturing sectors.[379][380][381][382][383][384][385][386][387][388] As of 2012, it was estimated that Japanese companies employed over one million workers in Mexico just in the automotive and technology manufacturing industries.

 Jordan July 9, 1975 See Jordan–Mexico relations
  • Jordan has an embassy in Mexico City.[391]
  • Mexico has an embassy in Amman.[392]
 Kazakhstan January 14, 1992 See Kazakhstan–Mexico relations
  • Kazakhstan has an embassy in Mexico City.[393]
  • Mexico is accredited to Kazakhstan from its embassy in Ankara, Turkey and maintains an honorary consulate in Almaty.[366]
 Kuwait July 23, 1975 See Kuwait–Mexico relations
 Kyrgyzstan January 14, 1992
  • Kyrgyzstan is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, D.C., United States.[396][397]
  • Mexico is accredited to Kyrgyzstan from its embassy in Tehran, Iran.[342]
 Laos September 9, 1976
  • Laos is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, D.C.[398][399]
  • Mexico is accredited to Laos from its embassy in Bangkok, Thailand.[400]
 Lebanon June 12, 1945 See Lebanon–Mexico relations

Mexico was among the first nations to recognize Lebanon's independence in 1943. Mexico was a popular destination during the Lebanese diaspora. There is a significant population of Lebanese descent in Mexico, nearing half a million people, many of which travel to and support business with Lebanon. The Centro Libanés and "Club Deportivo Libanés" in Mexico City are important symbols representing the historically cultural and social ties between both countries.

  • Lebanon has an embassy in Mexico City.[401]
  • Mexico has an embassy in Beirut.[402]

See also: Lebanese immigration to Mexico

 Malaysia March 27, 1974 See Malaysia–Mexico relations

Relations between the two countries was established on March 27, 1974.

 Maldives November 15, 1975
  • Maldives does not have an accreditation to Mexico.
  • Mexico is accredited to the Maldives from its embassy in New Delhi, India.[350]
 Mongolia September 24, 1975 See Mexico–Mongolia relations

In October 2001, Mexican President Vicente Fox paid an official visit to Mongolia.[405]

  • Mexico is accredited to Mongolia from its embassy in Seoul, South Korea and maintains an honorary consulate in Ulaanbaatar.[406][407][408]
  • Mongolia is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, D.C., United States and maintains an honorary consulate in Mexico City.[409][410]
 Myanmar October 1976
  • Mexico is accredited to Myanmar from its embassy in Singapore.[352][411]
  • Myanmar is accredited to Mexico from its Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York City.[412]
   Nepal 1975
  • Mexico is accredited to Nepal from its embassy in New Delhi, India and maintains an honorary consulate in Kathmandu.[350]
  • Nepal is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, D.C., United States and maintains an honorary consulate in Mexico City.[413]
 North Korea September 4, 1980 See Mexico–North Korea relations
  • The Democratic People's Republic of Korea has an embassy in Mexico City.[414]
  • Mexico is accredited to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea from its embassy in Seoul, Republic of Korea.[406]
 Oman July 31, 1975 See Mexico–Oman relations
  • Mexico is accredited to Oman from its embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and maintains an honorary consulate in Muscat.[348]
  • Oman is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, D.C., United States and maintains an honorary consulate in Mexico City.
 Pakistan January 19, 1955 See Mexico–Pakistan relations
  • Mexico is accredited to Pakistan from its embassy in Tehran, Iran and has honorary consulates in Karachi and Lahore.[342]
  • Pakistan has an embassy in Mexico City.[415]
 Palestine 1975 See Mexico–Palestine relations
  • Mexico has a representative office in Ramallah.[416]
  • Palestine has an embassy in Mexico City.[417]
 Philippines April 14, 1953 See Mexico–Philippines relations

Mexico and the Philippines share a myriad of traditions and customs derived from historical ties established over 450 years ago. Their common history dates back to the time when both countries were part of New Spain. Mexican money financed the expedition known as Legazpi exploration, under the command of King Philip II of Spain. During the Mexican administration of the Philippines, other than General Legazpi, all of the governor-generals were born in Mexico. Due to the grand exchange with the Philippines in those days, many cultural traits were adopted by one another, with Mexicans remaining in the Philippines, and Filipinos establishing in Mexico, particularly the central west coast, near the port town of Acapulco. Many Nahuatl words were adopted and popularized in the Philippines, such as Tianggui (market fair) and Zapote (a fruit). After the colonial period, the first official contacts of Mexico with the Philippines were established in 1842, when a Mexican Representation was opened in Manila. With the assignment of Mexican Diplomat Evaristo Butler Hernandez in the Philippines in 1878. The Independence of the Philippines brought forth a new era of relations between these countries. Mexico dispatched an envoy to participate in the festivities to celebrate the birth of the Southeast Asian nation. Diplomatic ties between both countries were formalized on April 14, 1953. The year of 1964 was decreed the "Year of Philippine-Mexican Friendship" to celebrate the Fourth Centennial of the Expedition of Miguel López de Legazpi. In modern day, the conquest of the Philippines is seen as a Spanish initiative, while Mexico is viewed as a country of historical link and friendship, and several groups intend on strengthening the bond between the two countries.[418]

 Qatar June 30, 1975 See Mexico–Qatar relations
  • Mexico has an embassy in Doha.[421]
  • Qatar has an embassy in Mexico City.[422]
 Saudi Arabia September 12, 1952 See Mexico–Saudi Arabia relations
 Singapore August 9, 1965 See Mexico–Singapore relations
  • Mexico has an embassy in Singapore.[352]
  • Singapore is accredited to Mexico with a non-resident ambassador based in Singapore and maintains an honorary consulate-general in Mexico City.[424]
 South Korea January 26, 1962 See Mexico–South Korea relations
 Sri Lanka April 19, 1960 See Mexico–Sri Lanka relations
  • Mexico is accredited to Sri Lanka from its embassy in New Delhi, India and maintains an honorary consulate in Colombo.[350]
  • Sri Lanka is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, D.C., United States and maintains an honorary consulate in Mexico City.[426]
 Syria August 20, 1950 See Mexico–Syria relations

Mexico and Syria established diplomatic relations on August 20, 1950.[427]

  • Mexico is accredited to Syria from its embassy in Cairo, Egypt.[168]
  • Syria does not have an embassy accredited to Mexico.
 Taiwan 1972 See Mexico–Taiwan relations
  • Mexico has a liaison office in Taipei known as the "Mexican Trade Services, Documentation and Cultural Office".[428]
  • Taiwan has a liaison office in Mexico City known as the "Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Mexico" (Oficina Económica y Cultural de Taipei en México).[429]
 Tajikistan January 14, 1992
  • Mexico is accredited to Tajikistan from its embassy in Tehran, Iran.[342]
  • Tajikistan is accredited to Mexico from its Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York City, United States.
 Thailand August 28, 1975 See Mexico–Thailand relations
 Turkey 1927[431] See Mexico–Turkey relations
  • Mexico has an embassy in Ankara[366] and a consulate in Istanbul.[432]
  • Turkey has an embassy in Mexico City.[433]
  • Both countries are members of OECD, G20 and WTO.
  • Flights from Istanbul to Mexico City and Cancún were launched in August 2019.[431]
  • Trade volume between the two countries was 1,3 billion USD USD in 2019 (Mexican exports/imports: 678/602 million USD.[431]
  • Yunus Emre Institute has a local headquarters in Mexico City.
 Turkmenistan 1992
  • Mexico is accredited to Turkmenistan from its embassy in Ankara, Turkey.[366]
  • Turkmenistan is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, D.C., United States.[434]
 United Arab Emirates September 12, 1975 See Mexico–United Arab Emirates relations

Diplomatic relations between Mexico and the United Arab Emirates began on September 12, 1975.[435]

  • Mexico has an embassy in Abu Dhabi.[372]
  • United Arab Emirates has an embassy in Mexico City.[436]
 Uzbekistan January 14, 1992
  • Mexico is accredited to Uzbekistan from its embassy in Tehran, Iran.[342]
  • Uzbekistan is accredited to Mexico from its Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York City, United States.[437]
 Vietnam 1975 See Mexico–Vietnam relations
  • Mexico has an embassy in Hanoi.[438]
  • Vietnam has an embassy in Mexico City.[439]
 Yemen March 2, 1976
  • Mexico is accredited to Yemen from its embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and maintains an honorary consulate in Sana'a.[348]
  • Yemen is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, D.C., United States.[440]

Europe[edit]

Mexico was the first Latin American country to sign a partnership agreement with the European Union (EU), in 1997, composed by 15 members at the time.[264] The agreement entered into force in July 2000 and has considerably strengthened bilateral relations between the two partners. It governs all relations between them, including a regular high-level political dialogue, and shared values such as democracy and human rights.

Country Formal Relations Began Notes
 Albania October 15, 1974

Mexico recognized and established diplomatic relations with Albania on October 15, 1974. Shortly thereafter Mexico opened a resident embassy in Tirana, however the embassy was closed in 1979.[441]

  • Albania is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, D.C., USA.
  • Mexico is accredited to Albania from its embassy in Rome, Italy [442] and has an honorary consulate in Tirana.[443]
 Andorra May 5, 1995 See Andorra–Mexico relations
  • Andorra is accredited to Mexico from its embassy based in New York City.[444]
  • Mexico is accredited to Andorra from its embassy in Madrid, Spain[445] and maintains an honorary consulate in Andorra la Vella.
 Austria July 30, 1842 See Austria–Mexico relations

During the French intervention in Mexico and subsequently the Second Mexican Empire between 1864 and 1867; with French backing, Maximilian I of Mexico, member of Austria's Imperial Habsburg-Lorraine family was proclaimed Emperor of Mexico.

In 1938, Mexico became the only country to protest against the anschluss of Austria at the League of Nations.[446] During World War II, Austria was part of the German Reich and in May 1942 Mexico declared war on Germany after the destruction of two Mexican oil tankers in the Gulf of Mexico by German U-boats.[447] After the war, normal relations were restored between the two nations.

As of 2005, Mexico was Austria's second most important trade partner in Latin America.[448] The same year, the President of Austria Heinz Fischer visited Mexico and Brazil, the first ever state visit of an Austrian President to countries in Latin America.[449]

  • Austria has an embassy in Mexico City.[450]
  • Mexico has an embassy in Vienna.[451]
 Belarus January 1992 See Belarus–Mexico relations

Belarus and Mexico established diplomatic relations in 1992.[452]

  • Belarus is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Havana, Cuba and maintains an honorary consulate in Mexico City.[453][454]
  • Mexico is accredited to Belarus from its embassy in Moscow, Russia[455] and maintains an honorary consulate in Minsk.[456]
 Belgium 1836 See Belgium–Mexico relations

In 1836, Belgium—itself newly independent—recognized the independence of Mexico. In 1919, the Belgian chamber of commerce of Mexico was established. Belgium opened its embassy in Mexico on June 5, 1954.[457]

 Bosnia and Herzegovina August 15, 2001
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, D.C., United States.[460]
  • Mexico is accredited to Bosnia and Herzegovina from its embassy in Belgrade, Serbia.[461]
 Bulgaria January 6, 1938 See Bulgaria–Mexico relations
  • Bulgaria has an embassy in Mexico City.[462]
  • Mexico is accredited to Bulgaria from its embassy in Budapest, Hungary and maintains an honorary consulate in Sofia.[463]
 Croatia December 6, 1992 See Croatia–Mexico relations
 Cyprus February 21, 1974 See Cyprus–Mexico relations
  • Cyprus does not have an accreditation to Mexico.
  • Mexico is accredited to Cyprus from its embassy in Athens, Greece and maintains an honorary consulate in Nicosia.[466]
 Czech Republic 1922 See Czech Republic–Mexico relations
 Denmark 1827 See Denmark–Mexico relations
  • Denmark is Mexico's largest investor and trade partner among the Nordic countries. Diplomatic relations began in 1827 with a Treaty of Friendship, Trade and Navigation.[469]
  • Denmark has an embassy in Mexico City.[470]
  • Mexico has an embassy in Copenhagen.[471]
 Estonia January 28, 1937 See Estonia–Mexico relations
 Finland November 11, 1949 See Finland–Mexico relations
 France November 26, 1826 See France–Mexico relations
Peña Nieto at the Élysée Palace with French President Emmanuel Macron, 2017.

The independence of Mexico was recognized de jure by France until 1830.[476] The first official contacts concerned trading, in 1827 an agreement signed in Paris established that both countries and its citizens would enjoy a privileged position reciprocally, which included complaints and demands related to the damages suffered during the war from French citizens living in Mexico, the Mexican Congress refused to ratify it.[476] then-French Foreign Minister Louis-Mathieu Molé sent an ultimatum urging the Mexican government to pay off its debts, due to economic instability, refused to do so.[477] In 1838, a French pastry cook, Monsieur Remontel, claimed his shop in the Tacubaya district of Mexico City had been ruined by looting Mexican officers in 1828, he appealed to French King Louis-Philippe. Coming to its citizen's aid, France demanded MXN$600,000 in damages.[478] When the payment was not forthcoming from then-President Anastasio Bustamante, Louis-Philippe sent a fleet to declare a blockade of all Mexican ports from Yucatán Peninsula to the Rio Grande, and to seize the Port of Veracruz, which led to an armed conflict known as the Pastry War.[478] British diplomat Richard Pakenham offered his mediation, after several negotiations, Mexico was eventually forced to pay the initially demanded MXN$600,000 and burdensome compensations.[313]

In 1861, the liberals won the War of Reform, however, it left the treasury depleted. Trade was stagnant, and foreign creditors were demanding full repayment of Mexican debts, Juárez proceeded to declare a moratorium on all foreign debt repayments.[317] France, Great Britain and Spain decided to launch a joint occupation of the Mexican Gulf coast to force repayment.[317] The Spanish and British quickly figured out that Juárez fully intended to pay the debts when he could, so they withdrew. They also realized that the French had other intentions, indicated by the arrival of reinforcements, and had no desire to help France achieve its ambitions, which led to a military intervention, encouraged by the defeated conservatives.[317] When the French entered Mexico City in mid-1863, the conservatives quickly invited Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian of Austria to accept the Mexican crown, who agreed believing that this act responded to the desire of a majority of Mexicans.[479] However, once the conservatives understood Maximilian's democratic sentiments and anticlerical attitudes, began withdrawing their support.[480] When the American Civil War ended, the U.S. made its Monroe Doctrine valid and intervened by providing military and financial aid to Juárez.[481] Meanwhile, in Europe, France was increasingly threatened by a belligerent Prussia and, by 1866, Napoleon III began recalling his troops stationed in Mexico.[318] Conservative forces switched sides and began supporting the Mexican liberals. United resumed their campaign on February 19, 1867, and on May 15, Maximilian surrendered. He was tried and, on Juárez's orders, was executed on June 19.[318] After an exhaustive process, diplomatic relations were reestablished in 1880, leaving behind claims related to the war.[482]

Emmanuel Macron, Enrique Peña Nieto and José Ángel Gurría at the G20 Leaders Summit 2017.

Both nations had an international dispute over the island of Clipperton, which had been under Mexican occupation, but claimed by the Foreign Ministry of France.[483] In 1931 both nations agreed to abide to the arbitration of King Victor Emmanuel III of Italy, who declared it a French territory.

When the Fourth Republic collapsed in 1958, Mexico was the first country that recognized the Fifth Republic founded by General Charles de Gaulle.[484] In subsequent years, both countries coordinated actions and released a communiqué that supported the Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front (FMLN) during the Salvadoran Civil War.[485] Recently, President Nicolas Sarkozy paid a state visit in March 2009, however, controversy over the Florence Cassez case, a Frenchwoman convicted of kidnapping in Mexico sentenced to 60 years in jail, overshadowed the bilateral agenda.[486] Backed by the "Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons", Sarkozy persuaded the Mexican government to allow Cassez to serve out her sentence in France, however, public opinion in Mexico strongly opposes under the suspicion that once home, she would quickly be released from jail.[487] A bilateral commission was established to handle the case.[487] Meanwhile, speaking at the National Palace in Mexico City, Sarkozy praised Calderón for Mexico's "courageous and determined" battle against drug cartels[486] and urged the Congress to reform the Constitution in order to allow the Mexican military to collaborate with the United Nations in peacekeeping missions.[488] Supported by British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Sarkozy has previously expressed that the G8 would benefit from a permanent enlargement that includes the +5 countries.[489]

See also: French immigration to Mexico

 Germany 1823 See Germany–Mexico relations
Gerhard Schröder in Los Pinos with President Fox.

Alexander von Humboldt's reports on his trip to then-New Spain back in the early 19th century heralded the start of Germany's interest in Mexico.[493] Commercial links were quickly established through the signing of the "Treaty of Commerce and Navigation" between Mexico and Hamburg in 1823. Due to increasing investment, six years later, Prussia sent Carl Koppe as its first general consul and first representative in the newborn nation. During the administration of dictator Porfirio Díaz, commercial ties significantly strengthened.[493]

In January 1917, Britain's secret Royal Navy cryptanalytic group, Room 40, intercepted a proposal from Berlin, the Zimmermann Telegram, to Mexico to join the Great War as Germany's ally against the United States, should the U.S. join. The proposal suggested, if the U.S. were to enter the war, Mexico should declare war against the U.S. and enlist Japan as an ally. This would prevent the U.S. from joining the Allies and deploying troops to Europe, and would give Germany more time for their unrestricted submarine warfare program to strangle Britain's vital war supplies. In return, the Germans would promise Mexico support in reclaiming Texas, New Mexico and Arizona.[494] When the U.S. entered the war on April 2, 1917, eleven days later then-President Venustiano Carranza not only turned down the proposition but also declared neutrality.[495]

Nearly 25,000 Mennonites of German ancestry immigrated from Canada to Mexico and settled in the states of Chihuahua and Durango in 1922, their agricultural centers still contribute to the economy of the region.[496] After the establishment of Nazi Germany, Mexico received hundreds of asylum seekers, standing out important figures such as Egon Erwin Kisch, Anna Seghers and Paul Westheim.[496] During the Second World War, the Axis Powers sank two Mexican oil tankers such as Faja de Oro and Potrero de Llano, despite Mexico's neutrality. This attacks were enough to make Mexico enter the world conflict.[497] In 1952, diplomatic relations between the two countries were officially reestablished.[496]

In 1964, the foundation of Volkswagen in Puebla, Mexico, best represents the foreign investment from Germany; specifically, the Volkswagen Beetle, informally called "vocho", is commonly seen as a symbol of Germany in the country.[496] In contemporary times, Germany is viewed as a privileged partner in Europe, from whom economic, political and cultural engagement in Mexico is expected. Bilateral relations are being intensified in all areas based on a "Joint Declaration" between the two countries' Foreign Ministries signed in April 2007.[498] Economic ties have been strengthened since the European Union-Mexico Free Trade Agreement went into force in July 2000, Germany has become Mexico's fourth-largest trading partner.[499]

See also: German immigration to Mexico

 Greece May 17, 1938 See Greece–Mexico relations
 Holy See 1992 See Holy See–Mexico relations
  • Mexico's President Benito Juárez, expelled the Apostolic Nuncio to Mexico in 1861, breaking off diplomatic relations.
  • In 1904 the Holy See assigned an Apostolic Delegate to Mexico. Diplomatic relations were restored in 1992, giving the office of the Apostolic Delegate in Mexico City the status of a nunciature. As of 2012 about 78% of Mexico's population declared themselves Roman Catholics.
  • Holy See has an Apostolic Nunciature in Mexico City.[505]
  • Mexico has a resident embassy to the Holy See in Rome.[506]
 Hungary 1864 See Hungary–Mexico relations

Diplomatic relations between Hungary and Mexico were suspended between 1941 and 1974 and re-established on May 14, 1974. The Mexican embassy in Budapest was opened on September 30, 1976.

 Iceland 1960 See Iceland–Mexico relations
 Ireland August 21, 1975 See Ireland–Mexico relations
  • Ireland has an embassy in Mexico City.[510]
  • Mexico has an embassy in Dublin.[511]

See also: Irish immigration to Mexico and Saint Patrick's Battalion

 Italy December 15, 1874 See Italy–Mexico relations

The first contact between Italy and Mexico was in 1869, just before the end of Italian unification in 1870; when Italy expressed its desire to open a consulate in Mexico. A consulate was opened in Mexico in December 1872, however, diplomatic relations between the two nations were not established until December 15, 1874.[512]

During World War I, Mexico remained neutral because it was involved in its own revolution during the same time. In the 1930s, diplomatic relations between the two nations began to deteriorate when Prime Minister Benito Mussolini invaded and annexed Abyssinia (now Ethiopia) during the Second Italo-Ethiopian War in 1935–1936. Mexico was one of the few countries to vehemently oppose the occupation of Abyssinia by Italian forces.[513] On May 22, 1942, Mexico declared war on the axis powers due to German u-boat attacks on two Mexican oil tankers in the Gulf of Mexico that same year. Diplomatic relations were re-established on June 1, 1946.[512]

In 1997, Mexico signed a Free Trade Agreement with the European Union (which includes Italy). Trade between the two nations totaled just over six billion USD in 2011. Among the products that Mexico exports to Italy are: automobiles and petroleum based products. Italy exports mainly steel products to Mexico. Today, Italy is Mexico's ninth biggest trading partner in the world (third in Europe after Germany and Spain). Mexico is Italy's second biggest trading partner in Latin-America (after Brazil).[514]

 Latvia November 27, 1991 See Latvia–Mexico relations
  • Latvia is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, D.C., United States, and maintains an honorary consulate in Mexico City.[517]
  • Mexico is accredited to Latvia from its embassy in Stockholm, Sweden and maintains an honorary consulate in Riga.[518]
 Liechtenstein July 1, 1994
  • Liechtenstein does not have an embassy accredited to Mexico.
  • Mexico is accredited to Liechtenstein from its embassy in Berne, Switzerland and maintains an honorary consulate in Vaduz.[519]
 Lithuania November 5, 1991 See Lithuania–Mexico relations

Lithuania and Mexico initially established diplomatic relations on May 31, 1938, and signed a Treaty of Friendship in Washington, D.C., United States. Mexico never recognized the annexation of Lithuania by the Soviet Union and condemned the action. On November 5, 1991, Mexico recognized and re-established diplomatic relations with Lithuania. In 2002, President Valdas Adamkus paid a visit to Mexico and met with Mexican President Vicente Fox. In 2008, President Adamkus returned to Mexico for a visit and met with Mexican President Felipe Calderón.[520]

  • Lithuania is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, D.C., United States, and maintains an honorary consulate in Mexico City.[521]
  • Mexico is accredited to Lithuania from its embassy in Stockholm, Sweden and maintains an honorary consulate in Vilnius.[518]
 Luxembourg 1947 See Luxembourg–Mexico relations

Diplomatic relations between Luxembourg and Mexico were established in 1947. In 1980, Prime Minister Pierre Werner paid an official visit to Mexico. In March 1996, Grand Duke Jean paid a visit to Mexico. During the Grand Duke's visit, both nations signed an Air Transportation Agreement. In April 2019, Prime Minister Xavier Bettel paid an official visit to Mexico and met with President Andrés Manuel López Obrador.[522][523]

  • Luxembourg is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, D.C., United States and maintains an honorary consulate in Mérida.[524]
  • Mexico is accredited to Luxembourg from its embassy in Brussels, Belgium and maintains an honorary consulate in Luxembourg City.[459]
 Malta October 29, 1975
  • Mexico is accredited to Malta from its embassy in Rome, Italy and maintains an honorary consulate in Valletta.[442]
  • Malta is accredited to Mexico from its Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Valletta.
 Montenegro June 5, 2007
  • Mexico is accredited to Montenegro from its embassy in Belgrade, Serbia.[461]
  • Montenegro is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, D.C., United States.[525]
 Moldova January 14, 1992
  • Mexico is accredited in Moldova from its embassy in Athens, Greece and maintains an honorary consulate in Chișinău.[466]
  • Moldova is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, D.C., United States.[526]
 Monaco 1881 See Mexico–Monaco relations
  • Mexico is accredited to Monaco from its embassy in Paris, France and maintains an honorary consulate in Monaco.[491]
  • Monaco has an honorary consulate in Mexico City.[527]
 Netherlands 1827 See Mexico–Netherlands relations
Official visit of Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto to the Netherlands; 2018.

On September 27, 1993, the Netherlands Ministry of Finance announced The Netherlands – Mexico Tax Treaty and Protocol. The regulations detail the formalities residents of the Netherlands must observe "in order to be exempt from, or obtain a refund of, the Mexican withholding taxes on dividends, interest and royalties."[528] In 2008 Mexico and the Netherlands modified their existing tax treaty, initially signed in 1993 to strength cooperation to curb tax evasion.[529][530]

 North Macedonia October 4, 2001
  • Mexico is accredited to North Macedonia from its embassy in Belgrade, Serbia and maintains an honorary consulate in Skopje.[461]
  • North Macedonia is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, D.C., United States.[533]
 Norway 1906 See Mexico–Norway relations
  • Mexico has an embassy in Oslo.[534]
  • Norway has an embassy in Mexico City.[535]
 Poland February 26, 1928 See Mexico–Poland relations
 Portugal October 20, 1864 See Mexico–Portugal relations
Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto on a state visit to Portugal meeting with Portuguese President Aníbal Cavaco Silva; 2014.
 Romania July 20, 1935 See Mexico–Romania relations
 Russia 1890 See Mexico–Russia relations
Vladimir Putin and Ernesto Zedillo, at the Millennium Summit, 2000.

Diplomatic relations between both countries were established in 1890. In 2010 the 120th anniversary of the ties of friendship between the peoples of Russia and Mexico were celebrated.

Mexico was the first country in the Americas to establish relations with the then Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. Soviet politician and leader Leon Trotsky moved to Mexico from Norway during his exile. Mexican President Lázaro Cárdenas welcomed him warmly, arranging a special train to bring him to Mexico City from the port of Tampico. In Mexico, Trotsky at one point lived at the home of the painter Diego Rivera, and at another at that of Rivera's wife & fellow painter, Frida Kahlo with whom he had an affair.[542]

Due to its good relations with Russia, Mexico has often purchased military equipment from Russia. The Mexican Navy has received BTR-60's Ural-4320, Mi-17/8's, and anti-aircraft missiles SA-18 Grouse. Much of this equipment remains in service.

 San Marino March 8, 1968
  • Mexico is accredited to San Marino from its embassy in Rome, Italy and maintains an honorary consulate in the City of San Marino.[442]
  • San Marino is accredited to Mexico from its Ministry of Foreign Affairs in San Marino.
 Serbia 1946 See Mexico–Serbia relations
 Slovenia 1992 See Mexico–Slovenia relations

Mexico was the first Latin American country to recognize Slovenia after gaining independence on May 22, 1992. Mexican parliament members have praised Slovenia's participation in the eight-country initiative (which includes Mexico) for a world without nuclear weapons and its achievements in the human rights area. Since 1999 both countries have abolished visas as an example of strengthening relations.

  • Mexico is accredited to Slovenia from its embassy in Vienna, Austria.[451]
  • Slovenia is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, D.C., United States.[545]
 Slovakia January 1, 1993 See Mexico–Slovakia relations

In November 2017, Slovak President Andrej Kiska paid an official visit to Mexico.[546]

  • Mexico is accredited to Slovakia from its embassy in Vienna, Austria and maintains an honorary consulate in Bratislava.[451]
  • Slovakia has an embassy in Mexico City.[547]
 Spain December 26, 1836 See Mexico–Spain relations
Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez in Mexico City; January 2019.

After the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire was successfully archived in 1521, Mexico became part of the Spanish Empire as the Viceroyalty of New Spain, which lasted until 1821 when the Kingdom of Spain officially recognized the independence of Mexico by signing the Treaty of Córdoba.[548] Ferdinand VII never gave his approval to the treaty signed by Juan O'Donojú, until he died in 1833, serious negotiations started to formalize the independence, the "Treaty of Peace and Friendship" was signed on December 28, 1836.[549]

The first decades of Mexico's post-independence period were characterized by economic instability. On July 17, 1861, then-President Benito Juárez's suspension of interest payments to foreign countries angered Mexico's major creditors: Spain, France and Great Britain.

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