February 14, 2013 - Mexico City - Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today issued the following statement as he concluded his second bilateral visit to Mexico:
“Canada and Mexico are close friends and neighbours and have a long-standing strategic partnership in North America, in the hemisphere and in the world. I was pleased to have a brief discussion over lunch with President Peña Nieto, following on our excellent exchanges last year at Davos and in Ottawa.
“Secretary Meade and I also had a productive discussion on how our two countries can build on past successes to take our partnership to the next level while creating jobs and growth in both countries. [Download Video Quote]
“The North American Free Trade Agreement has proven there is an immense value in knocking down barriers to trade. Secretary Meade and I agree that increased trade and collaboration can yield even more economic opportunities in the region and beyond, particularly through the Trans-Pacific Partnership and the Pacific Alliance.
“To that end, I highlighted our government’s recent efforts to facilitate legitimate trade and travel. I am also pleased that nearly 60 percent of all visitor visas now being issued to Mexicans permit visitors to enter Canada multiple times without having to reapply for a visa.
“I spoke of Canadian energy expertise and our government’s commitment to responsible resource development. I highlighted the need to continue our joint efforts to tackle security issues affecting both our countries and, specifically, the fight against international drug trafficking, human smuggling and transnational organized crime.”
While in Mexico, Baird also had an opportunity to exchange views with several Canadian private-sector representatives working in that country.
The Minister’s visit builds on the momentum established by Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s meeting with then president-elect Enrique Peña Nieto in Ottawa in November 2012.
On February 14, 2013, Canada added Mexico to the list of designated countries of origin—countries that offer state protection, have active human rights and civil society organizations, and do not normally produce refugees.
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