Mexico 2013 Blog: Secretary of Foreign Relations José Antonio Meade on Mexico's Global Role

The secretary shared a number of reasons why Mexico plays a crucial global role, including the fact that it has the world's fourteenth biggest economy in terms of GDP and ranks eighteenth in terms of foreign investment received, eleventh in tourism, sixth in terms of sites of human patrimony, and sixth in terms of biodiversity. As such, he said, it is impossible to talk about topics related to multilateral issues, global economy, tourism, or other issues without taking into account a player such as Mexico.

To advance Mexico's global agenda, Meade identified four goals: to focus on political dialogue on an international level, bilaterally, regionally, and in multilateral fora; to amplify participation in international cooperation; promote Mexico's value in the world; and fight for the interests of Mexico in the world. He noted that every region offers different opportunities for Mexico, with particular strategies for each region, whether in the context of Mexico as a North American, Central American, and Latin American country. But he also identified regions beyond the Western Hemisphere that are of strategic importance to Mexico, highlighting the importance of economic growth in regions such as Asia and Africa.

On the topic of bilateral relations with the United States, the secretary highlighted the current debate on reforms to gun laws and immigration:

.@joseameadek Advance in reform debates on both guns and immigration in the US is welcomed by Mexico. #Mex2013

— AS/COA Online (@ascoa) April 16, 2013

Watch the secretary's remarks (starts at 1 hour, 20 minutes):