Brussels, 15/07/2008 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 15 July, the European Commission adopted a proposal aimed at establishing a strategic partnership with Mexico. This new political framework aims at a major upgrading in EU-Mexico relations. Bilateral links between the two have gradually intensified since the entry into force, in 2000, of an economic partnership, political coordination and cooperation agreement. “I am convinced that this strategic partnership will lead us to a new mutual sensitivity, that will allow us to pay due attention to our respective interests and concerns in bilateral and multilateral issues”, Benita Ferrero-Waldner, External Relations Commissioner, states in a press release.
Four key areas are among the priorities of the strategic partnership to be adopted by Council and the European Parliament before being discussed in greater detail with Mexican authorities. These are: - political issues such as multilateralism, democracy, human rights, rule of law, cultural dialogue, Latin America, regional integration and the Rio Group; - security issues with the fight against terrorism, organised crime, drug and people trafficking; - environmental and energy issues including climate change, natural disasters and the over-exploitation of fish stocks; - and socio-economic issues ranging from development policy to the price of foodstuffs, and including maritime policy, intellectual property rights, macro-economic stability and migration. In its communication, the Commission also suggests an EU-Mexico summit should be held every two years. (A.B./transl.jl)