Countries moving forward

Updated: 2013-05-30 08:04

By José Antonio Meade Kuribreña (China Daily)

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Chinese President Xi Jinping will pay a state visit to Mexico on June 4 to 6. During their meeting, Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto is expected to outline the nature of future cooperation between the two nations and lay a solid foundation to engage in a constructive dialogue, which will benefit the people of both our respective countries.

Mexico is undergoing vast reforms and is currently experiencing a great moment. Macroeconomic stability and low debt rates are part of our strengths as one of the top 15 economies in the world.

We are an economy with a broad social perspective, with an open economy and with an exchange of goods and services that amounts to more than $700 billion each year. We offer a secure and trustworthy environment for foreign investment.

Our political institutions show increasing strength and vitality. Our country has vast amounts of natural resources, a solid industrial base and increasing technological innovation, as well as a privileged geographic location.

This moment in our history reflects the socio-economic promise of our nation. The well-being and development of the Mexican people can only be achieved through structural reforms, which are key for the country's development. We are a nation determined to transform itself and to grow.

Upon taking office, President Peña Nieto has been committed to championing national efforts aimed at achieving prosperity by fighting poverty and inequality and by providing high-quality education across the country. In addition, the President is committed to consolidating Mexico´s position as a global actor, making positive contributions to the international arena.

To reach these national goals, foreign policy will contribute to Mexico's development as never before. At the same time, our country will consolidate its position as a strong supporter of international order and stability, as a champion of global free trade, as a friendly and safe destination for foreign investment, and as a responsible state and a promoter of peace and human development.

We are determined to reinforce Mexico's global presence by strengthening our international cooperation, promoting our values globally, and protecting Mexican interests abroad. These are the pillars of our foreign policy and will serve as guidelines to identify priorities and concrete actions with each region and with each country.

Mexico is convinced that no other world region has the growth potential and dynamism of the Asia-Pacific rim. Its political weight and cultural influence are also unquestionable.

Mexico respects and admires China’s contributions to the world. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1972, both nations have forged strong bonds of friendship, solidarity and cooperation with enormous potential benefits for both countries. This was recognized by President Peña Nieto and President Xi during their meeting in April as part of the Boao Forum for Asia. They agreed to renew the relationship and raise the dialogue and cooperation to new levels, reflecting the enormous potential and the role Mexico and China play in the international arena.

We share the same aspirations and face the same challenges in the international arena which I am sure we can solve if we strengthen our bonds and exchange our experiences.

Mexico will have a greater presence in the Asia-Pacific region, which enjoys rapid growth, global development and technological innovation.

Mexico and China have the opportunity to consolidate their existing ties by deepening their political dialogue, trade, investment, education, science, technology, tourism and cultural exchanges. We can expand our bilateral agenda.

Mexico and China are forward-looking, dynamic nations; therefore, we must continue to work together to strengthen our ties and renew our commitment to bilateral dialogue, investment and trade.

I am convinced that that renewed Mexican-Chinese relations will benefit the people of both our nations as we are building a new bilateral relationship based on strategic and long-term vision.

The author is Mexico's Secretary of Foreign Affairs.

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