- Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Julián Ventura concluded his visit to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia today.
Undersecretary Ventura and State Minister Markos Tekle co-chaired the second meeting for consultations on issues of common interest. The two officials analyzed the regional and global agendas, based on the commitment of both countries to multilateralism. Among other issues, they discussed inclusive economic development, climate change, gender equality and the eradication of poverty. Given Mexico's candidacy to the United Nations Security Council as a non-permanent member for the 2021-22 period, the undersecretary stressed the importance of listening to and evaluating the African agenda for conflict prevention and sustainable peace. The undersecretary also conveyed the congratulations of the Mexican government to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize today.
The two officials discussed the favorable conditions created by the entry into force of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). They agreed to take concrete actions leading to a substantive economic exchange between the two countries to boost investment and trade. The Government of Mexico encourages the private sector to take advantage of opportunities in non-traditional markets, and the new Ethiopian Airlines cargo flight between the two capitals could contribute to that possibility.
The diplomats also analyzed opportunities for cooperation in the academic, cultural, educational, scientific and technological fields as part of a strategy to strengthen the bilateral relationship in the medium- and long-term. A joint statement was issued at the end of the meeting.
Undersecretary Ventura also participated in the inauguration of the Second MIKTA Business Forum. Various companies and officials from Mexico, Indonesia, the Republic of Korea, Turkey and Australia analyzed the local business environment with their Ethiopian counterparts, shared good practices, and promoted economic ties between the five countries. This year, Mexico is the coordinator of MIKTA, an informal forum for consultation. The theme it chose is "Social development, global governance and a sustainable future." The group carries out activities such as the business forum in various cities around the world throughout the year.
Lastly, to commemorate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations, Undersecretary Ventura inaugurated an exhibit of photographs with the Mexican Ambassador in Ethiopia, Víctor Manuel Treviño, in the Addis Ababa Museum. The photos come from the Foreign Ministry's Archives of Diplomatic History and they document the visit made to Mexico in 1954 by Emperor Haile Selassie in recognition of Mexico's condemnation in the League of Nations of the invasion and occupation of Ethiopia.
Ethiopia was the first African country with which Mexico established diplomatic relations, on November 1, 1949. The undersecretary's visit renews the friendship between both countries, as well as Mexico's dialogue and cooperation with an important regional actor that has grown significantly in recent years. The undersecretary's visit is part of Mexico's efforts to establish closer political and economic ties and greater cooperation with the African continent.
