ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Ambassador to Mexico Shozab Abbas, presented his credentials to Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador at a formal ceremony held in the presidential palace in Mexico City on Friday. Foreign Minister of Mexico, Miss Alicia Bárcena was also present during the ceremony. During his meeting with President López Obrador, Ambassador Abbas emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral diplomatic, political, economic, and scientific relations between Pakistan and Mexico. He highlighted the potential for enhanced cooperation in various sectors, reaffirming the commitment of both nations to deepen their ties.
Mexico, the second most populous country in North America after the United States, shares a significant economic relationship with its northern neighbor. The Mexican economy, closely integrated with that of the United States, has shown remarkable growth, with its GDP surpassing USD 1.5 trillion in 2023.
Ambassador Abbas recalled the historic cooperation between Mexico and Pakistan during the 1960s Green Revolution, initiated by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). This period witnessed collaborative efforts between agro-scientists from both countries, leading to the development of the high-yield wheat variety known as Mexi-pak. This groundbreaking scientific breakthrough in the field of agriculture remains a crucial factor in addressing food security issues in Pakistan. Additionally, a number of Mexican mountaineers visit annually to climb the summit of the Karakoram mountains in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan. Last year, the volume of trade recorded between the two countries was around USD 300 million.
In his address, Ambassador Abbas congratulated President López Obrador on the successful elections held on June 2, 2024. He extended his warm wishes to the newly elected President, Ms. Claudia Sheinbaum, expressing hope that the continued leadership of the Morena party would bring prosperity to the people of Mexico. Additionally, Ambassador Abbas advocated for the reopening of the Mexican embassy in Islamabad, a move that President López Obrador principally agreed to.
Pakistan and Mexico enjoy cordial relations and support a consensus on United Nations Security Council reforms. However, high-level political interactions are essential to further promote bilateral relations and bring the people of both countries closer together in areas of mutual interest. The late President Pervez Musharraf was the last Pakistani president to visit Mexico, in 2004.
