German President Concludes Mexico Visit

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier concludes a two-day state visit to Mexico today.

Steinmeier is attending meetings with Mexican officials including President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. Steinmeier will also talk with business representatives about prospects for economic cooperation, as over 2,000 German companies are present in Mexico. Germany is Mexico’s fourth largest trading partner.

Steinmeier’s trip is an effort to renew and deepen bilateral ties which have dipped since the arrival of President Obrador in 2018. Environmental issues used to be at the forefront of bilateral cooperation, though Obrador’s government has cut the environmental budget in favor of pursuing megaprojects and greater fossil fuel extraction. Mexico’s policy shift on this issue has impacted the level of German investments in Mexico’s renewable energy market.

While many believe the visit serves more as a symbolic gesture of partnership, the bilateral meeting will serve to increase the likelihood of completing the renewal of the Free Trade Agreement between Mexico and the European Union (TLCUEM). Negotiations ended in April 2020, but the agreement has not yet been signed or ratified. Both sides blamed each other for the impasse. Steinmeier may take the opportunity to broach the subject to rebuild cooperation on investment and the environment.