German Chancellor to fasten trade ties with Mexico

World Today

German Chancellor to fasten trade ties with MexicoGerman Chancellor Angela Merkel, right, talks with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto during a meeting with Mexican business leaders at the Interactive Economics Museum in Mexico City, Mexico, Saturday June 10, 2017. Merkel is in a two-day visit to Mexico. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

German Chancellor Angela Merkel wraps up her visit to Latin America. This included stops in Argentina and Mexico. Merkel’s aim is to shore up trade ties within the region.

CGTN’s Franc Contreras reports from Mexico City.

Angela Merkel’s visit to Mexico began on Friday with a military welcome upon her landing at Mexico City’s international airport. The Mexican government later hosted a state dinner for the German Chancellor.

The leaders of Mexico and Germany said their respective governments are working to intensify political cooperation, and create a free trade agreement between Mexico and the European Union. Such a deal with the 28-nation union would end tariffs on industrial goods.

“We are living in a confused world, but the good thing between Mexico and Germany is that we are working on the basis of shared values, with the spirit that we can both win if we cooperate,” Merkel said.

Merkel and Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto said their goal is to create a “win-win relationship for Mexico and Germany” using the G-20’s framework for free trade. The two nations are also engaging in cultural and academic exchanges.

“We share a vision of the world that promotes democracy as the best way to protect our freedom, a mechanism that guarantees the rule of law and a respect for human rights. Regarding the economy, we promote free trade and integration as the motors for a more sustainable and balanced development,” Pena Nieto said.

Germany is Mexico’s top European trading partner. Leading German automotive makers Audi and Volkswagen have massive factories in Mexico.

U.S. President Donald Trump has criticized both Germany and Mexico, arguing that both nations conduct unfair trade with the United States.

Well before Trump took office, Mexico had been seeking to decrease its dependency on trade with the United States, and increase trade with Germany and other nations.

The visit also included talks about the environment and human rights. International trade experts have said Trump’s aggressive language on trade is the main reason for the timing of Merkel’s trip to Mexico.