Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 June 2021
337. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when strengthening ties between the EU and Mexico was discussed at the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33126/21]
View answerStrengthening ties between the EU and the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region was discussed at the EU Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) meeting yesterday, 21 June 2021, We underlined the need to conclude the new modernised EU-Mexico Global Agreement. The new aAgreement, once ratified, will replace the existing EU-Mexico Global Agreement which entered into force in 2001.
Prior to this, EU-LAC relations were last discussed at the FAC in October 2020. At that meeting, we agreed on the importance of stepping up high-level engagement with LAC, given the importance of the partnerships we have with Mexico and other countries in the region. This preceded the December 2020 EU-LAC Ministerial Meeting, at which Mexican Foreign Minister Marcel Ebrard gave an opening address on behalf of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC).
Given his remit, my colleague the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar T.D. attended the Foreign Affairs Council on Trade on 10 May 2021 where trade relations with Mexico were briefly discussed as part of the Trade Policy Review agenda point.
Mexico is Ireland and the EU's number one trade partner in the LAC region Ireland is a strong supporter of the modernisation of the EU’s trade, political and other relations with Mexico and the new Agreement sends a powerful positive message that modern comprehensive trade agreements and international co-operation are the way to tackle global challenges.
The submission of the Agreement to Council is the next step in the process. This is of course a matter for the EU Commission to propose in Council following consultations with Member States.
