High Level Political Talks with Mexico
Minister for Latin America Jeremy Browne held talks with Mexican Deputy Foreign Minister Lourdes Aranda in London today.
The discussions were wide ranging and included strengthening bilateral trade relations, working together on climate change in the run up to November’s COP16 conference in Cancun and continuing cooperation on consular work.
Speaking afterwards, the Minister for Latin America recorded a video message:
The Minister for Latin America said:
'’Minister Aranda and I had an extremely good session of talks today. Mexico is a country of growing importance as the 11th biggest economy in the world and a prominent member of the G20.
'’The UK enjoys excellent relations with Mexico. It is a country with which we have a natural understanding and we want to further improve economic relations. It is notable that the level of trade between the United Kingdom and Mexico is much lower than we think could potentially be the case. We want to look at how we can cooperate further, increasing investment in both directions to our mutual benefit, leading to greater prosperity and more jobs in each country.
'’We talked a lot today about climate change and we are extremely supportive of the Mexican government as they take a leading role in the international debate. We are complete partners in that process ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference in Cancun later this year.
'’We also discussed how we can make sure the G20 is more successful and how we can reform the UN ensure it’s a more effective institution.
'’I am personally looking forward to visiting Mexico next month to take forward the excellent discussions we had today.’’
The bilateral relationship between Mexico and the UK was high on the agenda, with both sides agreeing that it was important to their governments. The Minister for Latin America stressed that he was keen to see increased trade links between the two countries and that he would like to see investment opportunities for UK businesses in Mexico promoted.
Both Ministers were positive about the upcoming Climate Change conference (COP16) to be held in Cancun, Mexico in November. The Minister for Latin America praised the existing good relationship between the UK and Mexico, identifying climate change as a key area of cooperation.
Mr Browne will visit Mexico in November to follow up today’s talks.