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] 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[3][4]

Presidential visits from Mexico to Australia[5][6][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.[7] 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.[7] Australia is Mexico's 24th biggest export market and Mexico is Australia's 25th biggest export market, respectively.[8] 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.[9] In 2011, the Sinaloa cartel attempted to set up an outpost in Sydney but were thwarted by a police operation.[10]

Resident diplomatic missions

References

External links