Mexico, Kuwait mark 50 years of diplomatic friendship

By H.E. Eduardo Peña Haller
Ambassador of Mexico

Independence Day of Mexico is celebrated on 16 September in Mexico and in all parts of the world where Mexican citizens reside. In Mexico the full month of September is considered the month of ‘La Patria’ (homeland).

Therefore on the night of 15 September the so-called ‘Cry of Independence’ takes place, which commemorates the beginning of the armed struggle against Spain in 1810, led by priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla that allowed Mexico to become an independent country. It is therefore very usual for every Mexican household to celebrate these dates with joy and patriotism, organizing a Mexican fiesta, where family and friends taste delicious typical dishes and enjoy traditional and modern music.

Also on 1 September of each year, the president of Mexico presents to the Federal Congress a report on the progress made by his government during the past year. It is important to stress that for the first time in the history of Mexico, a woman, Dr. Claudia Scheinbaum, handed in her government report as President of Mexico.

As for the bilateral sphere, the president noted in her report that in the face of the new tariff reality in the world, Mexico has managed to maintain the lowest average level of tariffs globally. She also pointed out that new strategies have been implemented to diversify the markets of Mexican exports. Hence a memorandum of understanding has been signed with Brazil and the Trade Agreement with the European Union (EU) has been updated. Also this September the Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has been invited to visit Mexico.

In the economic and social fields, President Scheinbaum’s report notes that foreign direct investment hit a historic high in the first half of the year, with more than US$36 billion, highlighting the advances in technological innovation achieved, mentioning the production of an electric mini car Olínia, the design of semiconductors, weather observation and civil protection satellites, as well as the development and production of state-of-the-art drones.

With regard to security President Sheinbaum noted that Mexico continues to face risks and threats to its national security from both outside and inside the country but that thanks to the coordination of federal and state security authorities, a 25.8 percent reduction in homicide has been achieved since September of last year.

She also highlighted the historic reduction in poverty levels in the country, as she reported that between 2018 and 2024 more than 13 million people ceased to be poor, thanks to the federal government investing nearly one trillion pesos in social programs and pensions for more than 30 million people nationwide. Now 82 percent of Mexican households receive a direct budget through social welfare programs.

On hospital infrastructure, President Sheinbaum pointed out that construction of 31 hospitals was completed and another 20 were started.  In terms of housing, the report highlights the start of construction of 200,000 houses for Mexican families earning between one and two minimum wages.

In education, the federal government is implementing a new baccalaureate model and spaces for students at that educational level have been expanded, so that, during September alone, 38,000 new places will be added. The Universidad Rosario Castellanos was also created, which already has 77,000 students.

Regarding Kuwait-Mexico relationship, it is important to note that 50 years have passed since both nations decided to establish diplomatic relations. In the year 1975, the then President of Mexico Luis Echeverria Alvarez paid a four-day state visit to Kuwait, where his host was the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Salim Al-Sabah.

Another very significant fact for the bilateral relationship constituted the two official visits to Mexico in 2010 by the then Prime Minister of Kuwait, Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, that turned out to be fundamental for Kuwait to open its embassy in Mexico, in 2011 and for the Mexican Embassy in Kuwait in 2012. It is also important to remember that in 2016 President Enrique Peña Nieto officially visited Kuwait.

With regard to trade links between the two countries it is important to mention that they have been increasing every year. Currently Mexico exports to Kuwait: cars, trucks, auto parts, industrial products, canned foods, soft drinks, avocados, chilies, green tomatillos, strawberries, raspberries, raspberries, etc.

Finally I would like to leave note of Mexico’s gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Amir of the State of Kuwait, His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, the Crown Prince, His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, the Prime Minister, the Government of Kuwait and all Kuwaiti and Mexican nationals residing in this beautiful country, who day by day show us their kindness and deference.

Long live Kuwait!
Long live Mexico!