In a significant move to fortify international alliances, Mexico and France have unveiled a comprehensive plan to deepen their economic and cultural cooperation. The announcement came during French President Emmanuel Macron's inaugural official visit to Mexico, where he met with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum at the National Palace in Mexico City.
A Strategic Response to Global Trade Tensions
The new phase of the strategic alliance arrives as Mexico actively seeks to diversify its trade relationships, particularly with European nations. This push occurs against a backdrop of ongoing trade tensions with the United States, the primary market for Mexican goods. Washington currently imposes tariffs as high as 50% on a range of Mexican products, including steel, copper, and tomatoes, which fall outside the purview of the USMCA free trade agreement.
President Macron characterised the development as a "new chapter" in the Franco-Mexican relationship. "Today we begin a new chapter in our strategic alliance, one that demands — and that we want to be — even more global," he stated at a joint press conference. He reaffirmed the commitment of the 700 French companies operating within Mexico to continue investing and generating employment, with a specific focus on the aerospace sector. These companies are responsible for creating approximately 150,000 direct jobs and 700,000 indirect jobs in the country.
Cultural Exchange and Historical Reconciliation
Beyond economics, the partnership features a profound cultural dimension. President Sheinbaum highlighted the acceptance of reciprocal treaties concerning the exhibition of pre-Hispanic manuscripts, known as codices. Under this agreement, the Codex Azcatitlan, currently held by France, will be brought to Mexico for exhibition. In a reciprocal gesture, the Boturini Codex will be displayed in France.
"These codices are fundamental to the relationship between Europe and Mexico. They represent Mexico’s living memory of our history," Sheinbaum remarked. The return of the Azcatitlan Codex is particularly valuable for Mexico due to its detailed account of the development of Tenochtitlan, the capital of the Mexica empire. This cultural exchange builds upon efforts initiated in 2020 by former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador to repatriate historical artefacts like the Codex Bourbon and Codex Azcatitlan.
Looking Ahead: A Renewed EU Agreement and Bicentennial
The strengthened bilateral ties are set against the upcoming renewal of the trade agreement between Mexico and the European Union in the coming year. This renewal serendipitously coincides with the bicentennial of diplomatic relations between Mexico and France, promising a year of significant opportunity for enhanced cooperation. France, as the sixth largest European investor in Mexico, is poised to play a central role in this new chapter, building on two decades of strengthened trade following the implementation of the EU-Mexico Free Trade Agreement in 2000.
