Mexico and the Phl:United by the Pacific

The historical links between Mexico and the Philippines were established over 400 years ago: our nations have a long history of relations and many common interests. We share a rich past, one whose origins date back to the Galleon Trade Route that connected Acapulco and Manila in the 16th century. These early exchanges between our nations, one of the first examples of global trade, led two territories on opposite side of the Pacific Ocean to form a cultural bridge that has not only left an imprint on Mexican and Filipino culture, but our people.

As a result of this remarkable beginning, our countries enjoy a strong, long-standing and multifaceted relationship that is based on friendship and bilateral cooperation in numerous arenas. Our consular relations date back to 1935, when then Foreign Minister, Emilio Portes Gil, appointed airplane pilot and painter Alfredo Carmelo y de las Casas as the first Honorary Consul of Mexico in the Philippines, a position that he held for almost 19 years.

In addition, Mexico played a significant role in the Philippines during World War II when the 201 Squadron of the Mexican Air Force participated in Pacific campaign to liberate the archipelago. In 1953, as a result of this historic event, both countries formally established full diplomatic relations, opening embassies in their respective capitals.

As part of the commemoration of the 400th anniversary of the maiden voyage of Galleon Trade Route, 1964 was declared the “Year of Mexico-Philippines Friendship”. Furthermore, the relationship between Mexico and the Philippines was cemented during President Fidel Ramos’ state visit to Mexico City in 1997. During this historic occasion, several important bilateral cooperation agreements were signed between both nations. Therefore, it is with great pride to note that on April 14th our countries will celebrate 60 years of fruitful diplomatic relations.

As a result of the collaboration/working relationship and affinity between our nations, Mexico and the Philippines today enjoy a strong economic partnership, with enormous potential for growth. Mexico is the Philippines’ third largest importer in the Americas, after the United States and Canada, and is the seventh largest exporter to the Philippines, exporting products such as manufactured goods, chemicals and sugar.

In addition, we must also not overlook the importance of bilateral investment that exists between our nations. For example, the International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI), the leading port operator in the Philippines, has significantly invested in the Port of Manzanillo in Colima. Conversely, Mexican companies, such as CEMEX and FEMSA, have a major presence here in the Philippines. Today, our business relationship can — and must — grow, especially given that our two countries are part of the dynamic and increasingly competitive Pacific Basin.

In the multilateral arena, our economies are actively involved in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), a forum that has proved to be beneficial to both our countries.

Furthermore, it is worth mentioning that the Philippines will host the APEC summit in 2015. This conference will be an additional opportunity to propose and discuss strategies aimed at forging closer ties between our countries. The overriding objective of the summit is to better coordinate policies in order to face, as partners, the challenges and opportunities that arise in the international economic arena. In addition, the Philippine government also has plans to open the National Galleon Museum and Research Center in 2015, making the forum a very symbolic occasion to renew and strengthen our ties, as well as adopt new agreements.

The historic commercial and cultural links between the two countries bode well for the future of Mexican and Filipino relations, a renewed, dynamic partnership marked by its strength and intercontinental importance. In the short term, I will work with my counterpart here in the Philippines so that our respective countries serve as a bridge between Asia and Latin America.