As part of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Mexico and Singapore, the two countries took a decisive step toward deepening their bilateral cooperation.
President Claudia Sheinbaum received Singapore’s President Tharman Shanmugaratnam at the National Palace on December 1, where they signed two key instruments that will strengthen the legal framework and joint agenda in strategic areas.
During the meeting, Sheinbaum explained that the private discussions with the Singaporean leader opened new opportunities in economic, cultural, academic, digitalization, port, and investment matters. She emphasized that Singapore, globally recognized for its leadership in digital governance and emerging technologies, has become a key ally for Mexico’s technological development.
One of the agreements signed was the Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen cooperation on coral reef restoration. The document was signed by Mexico’s Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, Alicia Bárcena Ibarra, and Singapore’s Minister of State for Trade and Industry, Alvin Tan Sheng Hui. Singapore’s National Parks Board will also take part in this initiative.
The agreement establishes a framework for scientific and technical collaboration that will allow the development of joint coral reef restoration projects based on reciprocity and mutual benefit. The Mexican government stated that this cooperation will help reinforce ocean resilience and protect strategic ecosystems.
The second instrument signed was the Memorandum of Understanding on International Development Cooperation. This agreement, which sets guidelines for promoting joint programs aimed at third developing countries, was signed by the Director for North America and Acting Minister of Foreign Relations Roberto Velasco Álvarez and by Singapore’s Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Senior Minister of State for Education, David Neo Chin Wee.
In addition, both governments presented two letters of intent, one focused on environmental collaboration for reef restoration, and another aimed at strengthening trade and investment through Plan Mexico. The latter seeks to promote projects in modern infrastructure and accelerate the development of the country’s digital economy.
“Mexico finds in Singapore an ally in this sector,” Sheinbaum emphasized, recalling the Asian country’s support for Mexico to host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum in 2028. The president highlighted that this visit is the first by a country from the Asia-Pacific region during her administration, a clear sign of confidence and mutual cooperation.
During the meeting, it was also announced that Singapore will establish a resident embassy in Mexico City, its second in Latin America and the first in a Spanish-speaking country. With this, Mexico will reach 87 resident embassies, reflecting the growing international interest in strengthening ties with the nation.
“Today we reaffirm our commitment to strengthening the trans-Pacific bridge through cultural, economic, commercial, and tourism exchange,” Sheinbaum stated at the close of the ceremony.
President Shanmugaratnam’s visit marks a new chapter in Mexican–Singaporean relations, projecting a future of deeper cooperation in innovation, sustainable development, and technology.
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