The Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Alicia Bárcena Ibarra, met today at the Foreign Ministry with Micheál Martin, Deputy Prime Minister (Tánaiste), Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defense of Ireland, who is in Mexico from January 8-9.
At the meeting, the two officials highlighted the inauguration of the Irish embassy's new premises, and the Office for Central America. Foreign Secretary Bárcena said that these actions would offer greater opportunities for joint initiatives in the region.
They agreed on their shared interest in strengthening triangular development cooperation in Central America and the Caribbean for issues such as inequality, food security, climate change and disaster response.
In the economic sphere, Minister Martin said that more than 165 Irish companies operate in Mexico. Both officials noted that the current environment is conducive to strengthening the bilateral economic relationship with investments in key sectors. Sectors such as ICT, pharmaceuticals, agribusiness and education have the potential for economic complementarity and business opportunities.
Both officials stressed their commitment to respecting the United Nations Charter and international law, and exchanged views on the Israel-Palestine and Russia-Ukraine situations.
They discussed the excellent cooperation between Mexico and Ireland in the UN and their joint work to promote the participation of women in UN peace processes.
Ireland is Mexico's 8th-ranked partner in the European Union and is 28th worldwide. Mexico is Ireland's main trading partner in Latin America, accounting for more than half of all trade between Ireland and the region. Trade between the two countries has experienced sustained growth, with further import-export opportunities. From January 1999 to June 2023, Mexico has received USD 1.431 billion in direct investment from Ireland.
