MEXICO CITY, Oct. 13, 2017 /CNW/ - The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today concluded his first official visit to Mexico.
The Prime Minister's visit reinforced the close bond between Canada and Mexico. It was also an opportunity for Prime Minister Trudeau and Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto to emphasize their shared commitment to a modernized North American Free Trade Agreement that benefits Canadians, Mexicans, and Americans alike.
Prime Minister Trudeau began his visit by laying a wreath at the Altar of the Nation, to honour the Niños Héroes (child heroes) who sacrificed their lives in a heroic struggle against foreign forces. Prime Minister Trudeau then met with the President of the Mexican Red Cross, Fernando Suinaga Cárdenas, and Red Cross volunteers who outlined relief efforts to assist the victims of the recent earthquakes.
The Prime Minister also participated in a civil society roundtable discussion with representatives from non-governmental organizations on the human rights situation in Mexico, particularly with respect to freedom of expression, violence against women, and risks against journalists and human rights defenders.
During their meeting, Prime Minister Trudeau and President Peña Nieto stressed the importance of strengthening economic ties between Canada and Mexico. The Prime Minister expressed his deep condolences for the loss of lives after two earthquakes, and Hurricane Katia, hit Mexico in September. He also thanked the President for his country's support when wildfires devastated parts of Canada.
In his address to the Mexican Senate, Prime Minister Trudeau underlined the importance of progressive trade and modernizing the North American Free Trade Agreement for the benefit of all three partners – Canada, Mexico, and the United States. He also emphasized that Canada and Mexico recognize the urgency of fighting against climate change and that it cannot be left for next generations to solve.
Quote
"Canada and Mexico are not only strong partners – we are close friends who share common goals and work shoulder-to-shoulder to advance them. From fighting climate change to building economies that work for everyone, we are united in our desire for a better future. As we move forward with NAFTA renegotiations, I am confident that, with our American partners, we can come to an agreement that is a win-win-win for people of all three countries."
—Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Quick facts
- Mexico is Canada's third largest trading partner, while Canada is Mexico's fourth largest trading partner. Canada-Mexico two-way merchandise trade amounted to $40.8 billion in 2016, an increase of eight per cent over 2015.
- Canada and Mexico cooperate on security through many avenues, including annual bilateral security consultations, military to military consultations, political-military consultations, and the newly established Dialogue on Public Safety between Public Safety Canada and Mexico's Secretariat of the Interior.
- Mexico is Canada's eleventh largest source country for international students, and education institutions in both countries have a number of agreements that support student mobility and faculty exchanges.
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SOURCE Prime Minister's Office
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