Marking its 20th anniversary as as an Observer State to the Council of Europe, the Government of Mexico and the Council of Europe agreed to establish a Strategic Partnership. A Joint Declaration was adopted today by the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers.
The Strategic Partnership will strengthen joint efforts in a wide range of areas. Mexico will continue to actively participate in the negotiation of the Council of Europe“s legal instruments, as it did in the process that led to the Convention on Offences relating to Cultural Property (“the Nicosia Convention”). It will also promote the broader ratification of instruments of this kind.
The political declaration will also enhance the interaction and dialogue between both parties and will set up a privileged space to exchange views and best practices on issues of common interest. When deemed necessary, both parties may initiate specific cooperation projects.
The Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mexico, Ambassador Julián Ventura, participated in the Committee of Ministers session via videoconference. In his remarks, he reasserted Mexico’s commitment to deepen its ties with the Council through constructive participation in its work on issues such as human rights, the rule of law, democracy and gender equality. He also called on members of the Council of Europe to complete their own domestic processes, so that the Nicosia Convention may enter into force and be applicable as broadly as possible.
The Council of Europe is an international organization with headquarters in Strasbourg, France, that includes 47 European member states. It was founded in 1949 following the signing of its founding charter – the Treaty of London –, with the objective of advancing shared values and promoting economic and social progress.
Both Mexico and the Council of Europe benefit from working together. Mexico shares its Observer Status with only four other States. We work closely together to ensure that the positive impact of the Council of Europe’s work goes beyond the continent. Mexico has signed and ratified various conventions and protocols of the Council and is an active member of the Venice Commission and the Pompidou Group.
With the establishment of this Strategic Partnership, the Government of Mexico reasserts its interest in maintaining a broad agenda based on dialogue and cooperation with its European partners. It also reaffirms its commitment to international law and providing collective responses to global challenges.