Mexico–Portugal relations

Mexico–Portugal relations refers to the diplomatic relations between Mexico and Portugal. Both nations are members of the Organization of Ibero-American States, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and the United Nations.

Mexico-Portugal relations

Mexico
Portugal

History

The first official diplomatic contacts between Mexico and Portugal took place in 1843 in when ambassadors of both nations met in Washington, D.C.. Diplomatic relations were not established officially until 20 October 1864 under the government of Emperor Maximilian I of Mexico. In 1884, Mexico opened its first diplomatic mission in Lisbon; however, the mission was closed in 1918 when Portugal refused to recognize the government of Mexican President Venustiano Carranza. Diplomatic relations were restored between the two nations in 1929. In 1959, diplomatic missions were opened in Lisbon and in Mexico City, respectively, and were elevated to the level of embassies.[1]

In January 1990, President Carlos Salinas de Gortari became the first Mexican head of state to visit Portugal.[2] In July 1991, Portuguese Prime Minister Aníbal Cavaco Silva and President Mario Soares visited the city of Guadalajara, Mexico to attend the first Ibero-American Summit.[3] In October 2013, Portuguese Prime Minister Pedro Passos Coelho visited Mexico on an official state visit. The visit was to mark the beginning of 150 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations.[4] In June 2014, Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto visited Portugal on a state visit to commemorate the 150 years of diplomatic relations between both nations.[5]

On 17 July, 2017, Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa paid a state visit to Mexico and was received by President Enrique Peña Nieto. During the meeting, both Presidents agreed to boost Portuguese investment in Mexico and for Mexican companies to increase their presence and export products to Portugal. Both leaders also agreed to promote tourism and to encourage bilateral cooperation in science and technology.[6]

High-level visits
Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto on a state visit to Portugal meeting with Portuguese President Aníbal Cavaco Silva; 2014.

High-level visits from Mexico to Portugal

High-level visits from Portugal to Mexico

Bilateral agreements

Both nations have signed several bilateral agreements such as an Agreement on Scientific and Cultural Cooperation (1977); Agreement on Economic and Trade Cooperation (1980); Agreement on Tourism (1996); Treaty of Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters (1998); Extradition Treaty (1998); Agreement on the Avoidance of Double-Taxation and Fiscal Evasion (1999); Agreement on the Promotion and Reciprocal Protection of Investments (1999); Agreement on Air Transportation (2013); and an Agreement of Cooperation in the Area of Demand, Reduction and Fight against Illicit Trafficking in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (2013).[6]

Transportation

There are direct flights between Cancún International Airport and Lisbon Airport with Orbest airlines.

Trade

In 1997, Mexico signed a Free Trade Agreement with the European Union, of which Portugal is a member of. Since the implementation of the free trade agreement in 2000, trade between the two nations has increased dramatically. In 2018, total trade between the two nations amounted to $853 million USD.[7] Mexico's main exports to Portugal include: crude oil, vehicles, garbanzo beans and cauliflowers. Portugal's main exports to Mexico include: speedometers and tachometers; stroboscopes; rubber and plastic molds and electrical appliances.[6]

Portugal is the 14th source of foreign direct investment for Mexico among the countries of the European Union and the 39th worldwide. Mexican multinational companies Grupo Bimbo, Grupo Carso and Vitro operate in Portugal.[6]

Resident diplomatic missions

See also

References
  1. History of diplomatic relations between Mexico and Portugal (in Spanish)
  2. Presidential Speech by Carlos Salinas de Gortari (in Spanish)
  3. El Reencuentro de dos mundos (in Spanish)
  4. Portuguese Prime Minister on State visit to Mexico (in Spanish)
  5. State visit to Portugal (in Spanish)
  6. Bilateral agreements between Mexico and Portugal (in Spanish)
  7. "Mexican Ministry of the Economy: Portugal (in Spanish)". Archived from the original on 2016-04-25. Retrieved 2018-03-15.
  8. Embassy of Mexico in Lisbon
  9. Embassy of Portugal in Mexico City
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