Wednesday 01/29/14 | Mexico City | Press Release 031

 Mexico and Canada are commemorating the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, which began on January 29, 1944. During this period the two countries have promoted friendship, cooperation, academic and cultural exchanges, economic complementarity, as well as close ties within North America, for the benefit of their peoples.

This year also celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program (SAWP), with more than 18,500 participants involved each year, and the tenth anniversary of the Canada-Mexico Partnership, a mechanism for dialogue that promotes cooperation in the various areas of the bilateral agenda. Additionally, it marks the 20th anniversary of the entry into force of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

Mexico reaffirms its commitment to continue strengthening ties between the two societies and to enhancing cooperation between governments, to better capitalize on common opportunities. To do so, the two nations rely on a comprehensive legal framework and well established institutional channels, which also involve participation by the private sector and societal stakeholders. The strength of the links extends to legislatures as well as to provincial, state and local governments.

Mexico and Canada are each other’s third largest trading partner. According to the import figures reported by each country, total trade in 2012 exceeded 35 billion dollars. Canada is the fourth largest source of foreign direct investment in Mexico and the second largest source of international tourists visiting the country, welcoming more than 1.6 million Canadian travellers in 2012.