In 2015, Mexico continued strengthening its ties of friendship and cooperation with the Middle East, enhancing its international presence and reaffirming its commitment as an actor with global responsibility.
On November 24, 2015, the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, visited Mexico. He and his delegation met with President Enrique Peña Nieto, who reaffirmed the need for stronger economic ties, particularly in investments. It was the first visit from a Qatari head of state since the beginning of diplomatic relations in 1975. The two officials signed bilateral agreements on air services, technical cooperation, cooperation between central banks and between chambers of commerce.
President Peña Nieto also met with Patriarch Bechara Boutros al-Rahi, Maronite Patriarch of Antioch, with whom he discussed various issues, including the contributions of the Mexican community of Lebanese origin.
In October, the Mexican president met with the former President of Israel, Shimon Peres, during his visit to Mexico to attend the Guadalajara Business Summit.
In February 2015, the Lebanese Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants, Gebran Bassil, visited Mexico for the second regular meeting of political consultations. A joint declaration and two memoranda of understanding were signed on communities abroad and academic and diplomatic cooperation.
The Iranian Deputy Minister for European and American Affairs, Majid Takht Ravanchi, visited Mexico for the first meeting of bilateral political consultations. During his visit, a joint statement and a memorandum of understanding between the Mexican and Iranian Foreign Ministries were signed.
Mexico strengthened its high-level political dialogue, friendly relations and cooperation with Palestine during the visit of Nabeel Shaath, former Foreign Minister and current International Relations Commissioner of Fatah, in July 2015.
Lastly, Mexico opened an embassy in Jordan and made progress in negotiating a bilateral free trade agreement.