Merkel visits Mexico, seeks EU trade deal
After talks in Argentina, German Chancellor Angela Merkel will visit Mexico today, where she’ll be welcomed by President Enrique Pena Nieto. The visit takes place in anticipation of the G20 summit in Hamburg in July.
Both countries are among the top exporting nations, with Germany being number one in Europe and Mexico holding the title in Latin America.
Amid attacks from US President Donald Trump levelled at the two country’s trade imbalances with the USA, the two leaders are expected to reiterate their commitment to free trade and open markets.
Strained relations with their northern neighbour have pushed Mexican policy-makers to deepen ties with their transatlantic partners. The EU and Mexico launched negotiations for a free trade agreement last year, with talks expected to conclude by year’s end. The EU is Mexico’s third largest trading partner after China and the US.
Even if the two economies draw closer, Mexico can’t escape its neighbours. As late dictator, Porfirio Diaz once remarked: “Poor Mexico. So far from God, so close to the United States”.
