Philippine Ambassador-Designate Lilybeth R. Deapera chaired the ASEAN Committee in Mexico City (ACMC), as its current president, to a dialogue with Minister Fernando González-Saiffe González, general director for Asia Pacific of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE) of Mexico, on May 17, 2023.
As one of the proposed activities under the Philippine Chairmanship of the ACMC, the meeting created an opportunity for both sides to share ideas on ways to strengthen ASEAN-Mexico relations, as well as discuss bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest.
In her remarks, Ambassador-designate Deapera highlighted ASEAN’s recent achievements, including the admission, in principle, of East Timor as its 11th member; the economic recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic; the entry into force of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Association (RCEP); and the successful conclusion of the 42nd ASEAN Summit held in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia on May 10-11, 2023.
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The five members of the Committee, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam, who maintain a resident embassy in Mexico City, were able to exchange views on the important role that ASEAN plays in the international arena, and the way forward. in its relations with Mexico, which is considered an important and strategic ally of the Association in Latin America.
To this end, the ACMC welcomed Mexico’s request to adhere to the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation (TAC). Once approved, it will solidify ASEAN-Mexico cooperation for the mutual benefit of our peoples. In addition, both parties will be able to continue cooperating in the areas of trade and investment, migration, peace and security, culture, and tourism.
The ACMC welcomed Mexico’s request to adhere to the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation
ASEAN’s nominal GDP in 2021 stood at $3.4 trillion, which has already surpassed the pre-pandemic level of $3.2 trillion in 2019. As one of the fastest growing regions, it attracted a total of USD 175 billion in foreign direct investment, making it the third largest recipient of FDI in the world after the United States and China.
According to the Bank of Mexico, six of the 10 ASEAN member countries are among the 30 main trading partners of Mexico in 2022, with the Philippines occupying fourth place (19th in total).
