Chile and Mexico are sister countries that share a vision of a sovereign future: Alicia Bárcena

Chile and Mexico are sister countries that share a vision of a sovereign future: Alicia Bárcena

• The Foreign Secretary concluded her visit to Santiago, Chile yesterday, reaffirming the strategic partnership and strengthening cooperation and trade ties between the nations.

Foreign Secretary Alicia Bárcena Ibarra concluded her visit to Santiago, Chile yesterday by participating in the commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the Mexico-Chile Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

In her remarks, Foreign Secretary Bárcena emphasized that the relationship between Mexico and Chile is at its best moment historically, reflecting the deep affinities between the governments of Presidents Andrés Manuel López Obrador and Gabriel Boric. "Our governments have made a significant commitment to navigate towards a horizon of justice, equality, and exchange," she stated.

Foreign Secretary Bárcena emphasized that the FTA "unites us through the continuously expanding trade" and noted that the modernized treaty includes two pioneering chapters: the inclusion of women in foreign trade and collaboration between micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises.

"This cutting-edge instrument demonstrates the commercial and economic innovation possible between the countries of the Global South," she said. "Mexico and Chile can produce, consume, and achieve active value chains. Ninety percent of trade between our countries is tariff-free, which speaks to our mutual trust and trade complementarity."

The Foreign Secretary also highlighted the deep bonds of friendship between the nations: "Our countries have shown unwavering solidarity in facing the challenges posed by the fires in Chile and Hurricane Otis in Acapulco." She added, "We are connected not only through diplomacy but also through the support we give each other and the cultural closeness that has always accompanied us and is a crucial factor in our history."

During her visit, Foreign Secretary Bárcena participated in the 8th Meeting of the Mexico-Chile Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) Council. She signed memoranda of understanding on feminist foreign policy, indigenous peoples and academic exchange, which reaffirm and deepen bilateral cooperation.