Mexico–United Arab Emirates relations

Mexico-United Arab Emirates relations

Mexico

United Arab Emirates

Mexico-United Arab Emirates relations refers to the diplomatic relations between Mexico and the United Arab Emirates.

History

Embassy of the UAE in Mexico City

Mexico and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) established diplomatic relations on 12 September 1975.[1] For the first three decades, Mexico was represented to the UAE from its embassy in Beirut, Lebanon while the UAE was represented to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, DC, United States.[2] In 2008, Mexico opened a consulate-general in Dubai to promote trade and cultural cooperation between the two nations. In 2010, the UAE opened an embassy in Mexico City and in return, Mexico opened an embassy in Abu Dhabi in 2012 and closed its consulate in Dubai.[3]

Since the establishment of resident diplomatic missions, both nations have increased mutual international cooperation, cultural events, trade and high level visits. Foreign ministers of both nations have repeatedly visited each other's nation and have signed several bilateral agreements including improved cooperation in the energy sector.[4] In 2012 both nations signed an agreement to avoid double taxation on income and are currently in talks to lift visa requirements on diplomatic and official passport holders from government officials of both nations.[5][2] In 2012, there were over 3,000 Mexican citizens living and working in the UAE, mostly in the energy (petrol) sector and more than 50,000 Mexican citizens visit the country for tourism annually.[6]

In April 2014 Vice President and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum paid an official visit to Mexico. It was the first visit ever by a ruling Emirati Prime Minister.[7]

In January 2016 President Enrique Peña Nieto made the first official visit to the UAE by a Mexican President.

Trade relations

Between 2005 - 2013, trade between Mexico and the UAE increased by over 40%. In 2013, two-way trade between both nations totaled $622 million USD.[8] The UAE is Mexico's third biggest trading partner in the Middle East.[8] Mexico's main exports to the UAE include: gold, vehicles and refrigerators while the UAE main exports to Mexico include: aluminum alloy and mining equipment.[3]

Resident diplomatic missions

See also

References

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