In 2015, the Foreign Ministry continued its strategy of diversifying its diplomatic relations and increasing Mexico’s presence in Africa, a region of political, economic and cooperation opportunities.
To strengthen the ties between Mexico and Africa, the Foreign Secretary will visit various African countries in the near future and open honorary consulates, which are essential to the strategy of forging closer ties.
This year's activities included Africa Week in Mexico and a business forum held to assess the trade and investment opportunities offered by the African countries.
The African ambassadors in Mexico visited the state of San Luis Potosi to meet with government officials and African youths studying in universities there.
During the midterm elections in June, Mexico received its first visit from a delegation of Nigerian observers.
In August, the Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Carlos de Icaza, visited Egypt to represent Mexico at the inauguration of the new Suez Canal, one of Egypt’s most important modernization projects in recent years.
There was also a ministerial-level visit to Algeria, which marked a new stage in the bilateral relationship with this important partner for Mexico’s policy in Africa and the Arab world, given its regional leadership. Two memoranda of understanding were signed. The two foreign ministries signed one on academic and diplomatic cooperation and the National Economic and Social Council of Algeria, the National Council for the Evaluation of Social Development Policy (CONEVAL) and UNICEF signed another on social programs and multidimensional poverty measurement.
The Notimex Mexican News Agency and Algérie Presse Service (APS) signed a cooperation agreement to exchange news that updates the agreement signed in 1983.
Since the economy of the African countries is growing rapidly, Mexico is working on expanding its legal framework with the region in order to build a stronger economic relationship. The Foreign Ministry is working especially with South Africa and Nigeria, considered the two largest economies on the continent.