MEXICO recently celebrated the 208th anniversary of its proclamation of independence, projecting strength and dynamism.
With a territorial area of almost 2 million square kilometers, as the fifth-largest country in the Americas and the 14th–largest nation in the world, its economic lead is widely acknowledged. According to the International Monetary Fund, Mexico’s economy is 15th in the world.
It is also a vanguard in trade and commercial instruments, with 12 free-trade agreements signed involving 46 countries.
Today Mexico means opportunity.
Moreover, this year marks a special occasion in bilateral ties between Mexico and the Philippines, as we also celebrate the 65th anniversary of the establishment of our formal diplomatic relations.
However, our history as sister-nations can be traced from the 16th century when we were part—as territories of the Spanish Crown—of one of the world’s first economic globalization and cultural experiences through the Acapulco-Manila Galleon.
One direction
AS developing countries, Mexico and the Philippines share several challenges, such as immigration, the fight against poverty, climate change, natural disasters and economic inequalities, among others; but also, the commitment of generating better living conditions for our people.
I am convinced that bilateral and international cooperation are important instruments to achieve the said objective, and I am confident that our countries are working tirelessly in that direction.
In facing the abovementioned challenges, the last six years of the Mexican government, led by President Enrique Peña Nieto, achieved the most important structural reforms made in decades. The constitutional changes in various sectors, distinguishing the energy, telecommunications, fiscal and financial sectors have boosted productivity, competitiveness and accountability throughout Mexico.
Better, greater nation
FURTHER, this year has been a remarkable one for Mexico. In July our country held a peaceful and democratic presidential election with the participation of 89 million voters.
As we know, as a result of this historic process, Andrés Manuel López Obrador was elected as new president of the United Mexican States. He will be taking the oath of office on December 1.
In this context, I am sure that with the participation of all the Mexican people, united arm to arm, it will be possible to reach all our goals to have a better and a greater nation for all the Mexicans.