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On April 14, 2015, Russian International Affairs Council held the roundtable "Russia-Mexico: 125 Years of Partnership" at Russia Today international multimedia press center. This year Russia and Mexico celebrate the 125th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations, while changes in the world order require the traditional cooperation pattern to be augmented by infusion of fresh content. Moscow and Mexico City share the desire to make the system of international relations more democratic, open and just, and are interested in strengthening security and stability in Asia-Pacific. At the same time, the two countries differ on some issues, including Ukraine. However, common challenges in economic development, migration and countering drug trade may become a solid basis for bilateral cooperation. As country staying away from anti-Russian sanctions, Mexico may become the inlet to the Latin American market through the Pacific Alliance and to the North American market through the NAFTA.

On April 14, 2015, Russian International Affairs Council held the roundtable "Russia-Mexico: 125 Years of Partnership" at Russia Today international multimedia press center.

This year Russia and Mexico celebrate the 125th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations, while changes in the world order require the traditional cooperation pattern to be augmented by infusion of fresh content.

Moscow and Mexico City share the desire to make the system of international relations more democratic, open and just, and are interested in strengthening security and stability in Asia-Pacific.

At the same time, the two countries differ on some issues, including Ukraine. However, common challenges in economic development, migration and countering drug trade may become a solid basis for bilateral cooperation. As country staying away from anti-Russian sanctions, Mexico may become the inlet to the Latin American market through the Pacific Alliance and to the North American market through the NAFTA.

Elaboration of an effective policy toward Mexico and Latin America, and the impact of worsened relations with the West on bilateral ties, as well as other issues were discussed by RIAC President Igor Ivanov, Director of RAS Institute for Latin American Studies Vladimir Davydov, former Russian Ambassador to Mexico Valery Morozov (2005-2012), Mexican Ambassador to Moscow Ruben Beltran, as well as the roundtable guests. The event also became the platform for presentation of key positions and conclusions of RIAC's report "Russian-Mexican Relations: Traditional Foundations and the Need for Change."

Dr. Ivanov stressed that the report was the first step in RIAC's efforts on the Latin American track. Willing to go ahead, the think tank is planning to focus on global issues, for example migration, which necessitates the analysis and exchange of international practices. "In recent years, Mexico has been very active in economic reforms, opening fresh opportunities for Russian businesses in the Mexican market… The report aims to outline the areas of common interest where cooperation may turn most effective. Such papers seem to be of help both to those eager to learn more and to decision makers," said Dr. Ivanov.

Dr. Davydov spoke on the need to have the bilateral dialogue renovated. "During the past three years, Mexico has become a Latin American leader in trade with Russia. The country is working hard on economic reforms focused on large-scale liberalization of traditionally state-controlled sectors, for example energy, which makes the process attractive for Russian firms." There are prospects for technology cooperation, while consistent development of Russia-Mexico relationship should be augmented by long-term interests, for example in the aviation sector.

Ambassador Morozov pointed out several key factors assisting the advance of the bilateral dialogue. "First, Mexico can boast high industrial potential, 90 percent of its export being machinery and equipment. It also sells 200-250 food productsto 160 countries. And we may rely on Mexico to counter the sanctions since the country is not a member of this action."

Engaging the region, one should bear in mind that Mexico's foreign policy is balanced and pragmatic. The country has supported the resolution on Ukraine's integrity but has not joined the sanctions in 2014. At the nuclear disarmament conference in Tokyo, Mexico rejected inclusion of the statement to condemn Russia for its Ukraine policy. "One the one hand, Mexico has left open ways to develop relations with Russia, while on the other it refrains from vexing the United States and Canada, its close partners."

Ambassador Beltran underlined: "Our bilateral relations have deep historical roots and a geographical context; they don't hinge on transient events." Russia and Mexico share approaches to some international issues. For example, Mexico agrees with Russia on Syrian weapons and opposed the invasion of Iraq. We partner in the United Nations, APEC, and G20. "The important fact is in the revision of legal documents shaping the relationship, since they are obsolete and unfit for the realities of today."

Despite economic and political difficulties, Mexico keeps investing in Russia, where a motor factory and food enterprise have been recently opened. Mexico is also thinking about selling its produce to Russia.

Ambassador Beltran said: "The RIAC's report is of great value for advancing the Russia-Mexico dialogue," since it offers the vision of how we could modernize our economies, reform the migration law and handle the entire migration problem through exchange of practices.

Roundtable "Russia-Mexico: 125 Years of Partnership"

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