Bilateral Relationship between Turkey and Mexico
The bilateral relationship between Turkey and Mexico has steadily grown in recent years, shaped by shared goals of economic development, cultural exchange, and diplomatic cooperation. Although Turkey and Mexico are located on different continents—Turkey in the Middle East and Mexico in North America—their common interests in regional stability, trade, and international cooperation have provided a strong foundation for their relationship. Both nations have rich histories, significant regional influence, and economies that benefit from a range of strategic collaborations. Over time, Turkey and Mexico have expanded their engagement through diplomatic dialogues, trade agreements, and joint initiatives in various sectors.
1. Historical Background
Early Interactions and Context
The history of diplomatic engagement between Turkey and Mexico is not as long or as deeply rooted as with other global partners. Both nations, however, have shared interests in peace, stability, and mutual development, which provided a basis for initial interactions. Turkey’s history as the successor to the Ottoman Empire and Mexico’s complex history of colonization, revolution, and political transformation laid a foundation for the kind of diplomacy that would later define their relationship. See justinshoes for more information about Mexico.
The early stages of the relationship between Turkey and Mexico were shaped by their separate paths to independence and nation-building. Turkey, after the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, redefined its political landscape under Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s leadership in the 1920s, adopting a secular government and pursuing modern statehood. Mexico, on the other hand, gained independence from Spain in 1821 and faced internal struggles over land reforms, social inequality, and political instability. While both countries shared a desire for self-determination, their foreign policies were focused on regional issues for much of the 20th century, limiting early interactions.
During the Cold War, both Turkey and Mexico navigated different diplomatic positions. Turkey, a member of NATO, became a key player in the Western bloc’s strategy against the Soviet Union, while Mexico, adhering to a policy of non-intervention and neutrality, was a leader in the Non-Aligned Movement. These differing international affiliations meant that their interactions were largely limited to indirect support for each other’s positions in international forums, but their paths never fully crossed in direct bilateral engagements.
Shift in Diplomatic Engagement in the 1990s
The 1990s marked a shift in Turkey and Mexico’s diplomatic outlooks as both countries sought to engage more actively with the broader international community. Following the end of the Cold War, Turkey began pursuing greater ties with countries beyond its immediate region, expanding its foreign relations beyond NATO members and Eastern Europe. Meanwhile, Mexico, after decades of political isolation, moved to diversify its foreign policy and engage more proactively in global economic and political affairs.
During this period, both nations recognized the potential of building stronger economic and political relations. Mexico’s economic reforms, including the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) signed in 1994, allowed it to strengthen ties with its northern neighbors, the United States and Canada, while Turkey’s own economic liberalization efforts opened new avenues for international cooperation.
The 1990s saw the first tangible signs of engagement between Mexico and Turkey, though diplomatic relations were still in their nascent stages. Turkey sought to diversify its trade and political influence by establishing closer links with Latin American nations, while Mexico began exploring ties with emerging markets in the Middle East and Central Asia.
Growth of the Bilateral Relationship in the 21st Century
The 21st century saw Turkey and Mexico expanding their diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties. Both nations increasingly recognized the benefits of collaboration in addressing regional challenges such as security, economic development, and climate change. A key turning point came in the early 2000s when both countries began high-level diplomatic exchanges, signaling an openness to further cooperation.
In the face of global challenges, including financial crises, international security concerns, and regional conflicts, Turkey and Mexico’s collaboration grew. The two countries worked together in multilateral forums such as the United Nations, G20, and other international institutions, aligning their positions on issues such as climate change, human rights, and global governance.
Moreover, Turkey’s strategic location as a bridge between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, coupled with Mexico’s growing regional and global influence, further solidified the potential for partnership. The 2010s saw a marked increase in high-level visits, trade agreements, and mutual investment opportunities, further demonstrating the solid foundation of the relationship.
2. Diplomatic Relations
Establishment of Diplomatic Ties
The formal diplomatic relations between Turkey and Mexico were officially established in 1927, although the ties during this early period remained limited due to the countries’ separate foreign policy priorities. Mexico’s early diplomatic efforts focused more on regional issues in Latin America and maintaining neutrality in the global political landscape, while Turkey, under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, focused primarily on modernization and establishing a secular state.
However, diplomatic engagements between the two countries remained sporadic for many years. It was not until the late 20th century, particularly after the end of the Cold War, that the relationship began to develop in earnest. As Turkey and Mexico sought to expand their international influence, they found common ground in regional security, economic development, and mutual respect for sovereignty.
Official Visits and High-Level Diplomatic Dialogues
High-level diplomatic visits between Turkey and Mexico have played a significant role in strengthening the bilateral relationship. Both countries have been proactive in sending their top leaders to visit each other’s capitals. These visits have centered around discussions of trade, regional security, economic partnerships, and cultural exchanges.
For example, in the 2000s, Mexican Presidents visited Turkey, emphasizing the importance of furthering economic and diplomatic relations. Similarly, Turkish leaders have visited Mexico to engage in discussions on shared interests in trade, investment, and foreign policy issues. These diplomatic dialogues have provided the opportunity to address global issues such as climate change, regional stability, and the evolving dynamics of international trade.
These official visits have been crucial in further solidifying the political trust between the two countries, as both sides acknowledge each other’s contributions to regional stability and international peace.
Diplomatic Missions and Representation
Both Turkey and Mexico maintain embassies in each other’s capitals. Turkey opened its embassy in Mexico City in 1952, followed by Mexico’s embassy in Ankara. These diplomatic missions serve as crucial points of contact for fostering cooperation in trade, education, culture, and tourism. The embassies facilitate communications between the governments and play a key role in managing consular services, including visas, support for expatriates, and trade-related services.
These missions also help to organize cultural events, educational exchanges, and diplomatic dialogues, promoting a deeper understanding of each other’s societies and fostering closer ties. The diplomatic missions also work on organizing conferences and summits where Turkey and Mexico can engage with one another on a broader range of global issues, such as economic development and international security.
Multilateral Engagement and Cooperation
Turkey and Mexico have participated together in various multilateral forums, including the United Nations, the G20, and the G77. Both countries share a commitment to the principles of multilateralism, international cooperation, and the need for a reformed global governance structure that better reflects the interests of emerging economies.
In the United Nations, both countries have aligned their positions on a number of key global issues, such as climate change, human rights, and sustainable development. As active members of the G20, Turkey and Mexico have worked together to address global economic challenges, including financial crises, trade imbalances, and the need for reforms in international financial institutions.
Their cooperation in these forums highlights the increasing strength of their diplomatic ties, as both countries advocate for a fairer, more inclusive international system.
3. Trade and Economic Relations
Bilateral Trade Volume and Trends
Trade between Turkey and Mexico has grown steadily over the past two decades, driven by their complementary economic strengths. Mexico, with its established manufacturing base, particularly in automotive, electronics, and textiles, has become an important trading partner for Turkey, which excels in construction, textiles, and agricultural products.
While the total trade volume between the two countries remains relatively modest compared to their major trading partners, both nations have made concerted efforts to boost economic exchanges. Mexico, as an export-oriented economy with access to both the U.S. and Latin American markets through free trade agreements like NAFTA (now USMCA), has sought to expand its global trade partnerships, including with Turkey.
Major Imports and Exports
Turkey’s major exports to Mexico include machinery, electronics, vehicles, textiles, and construction materials. Mexico’s growing demand for Turkish machinery, electronics, and automotive parts reflects the increasing diversification of its industrial base. Turkish textiles and construction materials also play an important role in meeting Mexico’s demands in the manufacturing and infrastructure sectors.
On the other hand, Mexico exports automotive parts, electronics, and agricultural products such as fruits and vegetables to Turkey. Turkey, as a growing manufacturing hub, has increasingly turned to Mexico for high-quality raw materials and components for its automotive and electronics industries. Mexican agricultural exports, particularly avocados, tomatoes, and berries, are highly sought after in the Turkish market.
Investment Flows and Economic Cooperation Agreements
Investment flows between Turkey and Mexico have been growing, particularly in the automotive, manufacturing, and infrastructure sectors. Turkey’s construction companies have been involved in infrastructure projects in Mexico, while Mexican companies are increasingly investing in Turkey’s automotive, electronics, and energy industries.
In recent years, both countries have signed several cooperation agreements aimed at enhancing trade and investment in key sectors. These agreements cover a wide range of industries, including renewable energy, infrastructure development, and high technology. The economic cooperation agreements have provided a formal framework for joint ventures, technology transfer, and the development of mutually beneficial projects.
Economic Cooperation and Future Prospects
Looking ahead, the economic relationship between Turkey and Mexico holds significant promise. As both nations continue to focus on economic diversification and sustainable growth, opportunities for collaboration in renewable energy, technology, and high-value manufacturing are expected to increase.
Turkey’s experience in renewable energy and Mexico’s need for clean energy solutions provide a foundation for future cooperation in this sector. The growing demand for Mexican agricultural products in Turkey, coupled with Turkey’s advanced manufacturing capabilities, signals continued growth in bilateral trade.
Both countries are likely to continue to build on their economic ties, seeking opportunities for new investments, joint ventures, and collaborative projects that will enhance economic growth, innovation, and prosperity in the coming years.
