Australia–Mexico relations

Australia–Mexico relations

Australia
Mexico

Australia–Mexico relations refers to the bilateral relations between Australia and Mexico. Both nations are members of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, G-20 major economies, MIKTA, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Trans-Pacific Partnership, United Nations and the World Trade Organization.

History

Former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard attending the G20 summit in Los Cabos; 2012
Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto attending the G20 summit in Brisbane; 2014
Monthly value of Australian merchandise exports to Mexico (A$ millions) since 1988
Monthly value of Mexican merchandise exports to Australia (A$ millions) since 1988

In the beginning, diplomatic relations between Mexico and Australia were conducted via London. In the late 1930s, Mexico established an honorary consulate in Sydney; however during the outbreak of World War II, Mexico closed its consulate. In 1960, Mexico re-opened its consulate in Sydney which led to formal diplomatic relations being established between the two nations on 14 March 1966.[1]

Both countries have similar interests in increasing trade within the Pacific rim and to each other. In September 2011, both nations signed an Action Plan to advance the relationship in political relations, economy and trade, development cooperation, education and culture.[2] In 2010, a bilateral air service agreement was signed between both nations.[2]

There are about 3,000 Mexicans in Australia. [3]

Tourism

In 2013, approximately 77,000 Australian citizens visited Mexico for tourism. At the same time, approximately 7,300 Mexican citizens visited Australia.[2]

State visits

Prime Ministerial visits from Australia to Mexico[4][5]

Presidential visits from Mexico to Australia[6][7][2]

Trade

Mexico is Australia's largest trading partner in Latin America. In 2014, two-way trade between both nations amounted to $1,562 billion USD.[8] Australia's exports to Mexico amounted to $553 million USD and include: aluminium, medicament's, copper ores and concentrates. Mexico's exports to Australia amounted to $1.9 billion USD and its export products include: lead ores and concentrates, telecom equipment and parts, fertilizers and passenger motor vehicles.[8] Australia is Mexico's 24th biggest export market and Mexico is Australia's 25th biggest export market, respectively.[9] In January 2004, a double taxation agreement was signed between both nations.

Drug trafficking

It has been reported that the Sinaloa Cartel had operatives in Australia and were behind a number of significant cocaine hauls intercepted by Australian authorities.[10] In 2011, the Sinaloa cartel attempted to set up an outpost in Sydney but were thwarted by a police operation.[11]

In 2014, it was reported that "Violent Mexican cartels with links to Australian crime gangs are infiltrating the nation's illicit drug trade." The chief of the Australian Crime Commission said 'Recently, we've seen the emergence of Mexican cartel activity within Australia" [12] [13] the Crime Commission also noted "Mexican criminals have become more prevalent as principals in the importation and supply of cocaine and associated money laundering" in Australia. [14]

In May 2015, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime warned that Mexican drug cartels were targeting criminals in Australia to import ice into the country. The Office said cartels were involved in trafficking methamphetamine and were actively seeking partners in Australia. [15] [16]

Resident diplomatic missions

References

  1. ↑ History of diplomatic relations between Mexico and Australia (in Spanish)
  2. 1 2 3 4 Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Mexico Country Brief
  3. ↑ http://embamex.sre.gob.mx/australia/index.php/en/the-bilateral-relation-between-mexico-australia
  4. ↑ Prime Minister Gough Whitlam in Mexico: 1973 (in Spanish)
  5. ↑ Timeline of the life of Malcolm Fraser
  6. ↑ Salinas Seeks Australia Trade
  7. ↑ Australia to host 2007 APEC summit as focus switches to terror
  8. 1 2 Mexican Ministry of Economy: Australia (in Spanish)
  9. ↑ Bilateral relations between Australia and Mexico
  10. ↑ Mexican drug cartel infiltrates Australia
  11. ↑ Mexican drug cartel moves in to Sydney
  12. ↑ http://www.skynews.com.au/news/national/2014/09/22/mexican-drug-cartels-reach-australia.html#sthash.PBSDWiIA.dpuf
  13. ↑ http://www.news.com.au/national/breaking-news/mexican-cartels-reach-australia/story-e6frfku9-1227066272948
  14. ↑ http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2014/02/23/kingpins-arrest-wont-halt-drugs-aust
  15. ↑ http://www.ibtimes.com.au/un-warns-australia-mexican-drug-cartels-growing-ice-trade-1450078
  16. ↑ http://www.news.com.au/national/crime/mexican-cartels-target-australia-ice-trade/story-fns0kb1g-1227370528129
  17. ↑ Embassy of Australia in Mexico City (in English and Spanish)
  18. ↑ Embassy of Mexico in Canberra (in English and Spanish)
  19. ↑ Trade office of Mexico in Melbourne (in English and Spanish)

External links

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