President of Enrique Peña Nieto and spouse Angélica Rivera de Peña welcomed President Sauli Niinistö and his spouse Jenni Haukio on state visit to Mexico.
Office of the President of the Republic
Press Release 28/2015
25 May 2015
President of the Republic Sauli Niinistö met Enrique Peña Nieto, President of Mexico, on his state visit to Mexico on Monday 25 May. The two presidents discussed bilateral relations and further development of economic cooperation.
“Finland and Mexico have an extensive history of advantageous cooperation, which we greatly value. We share the same values and collaborate in many international contexts, such as in the UN and in climate change negotiations,” said President Niinistö in a press conference after the talks.
Mexico is one of the most interesting targets for investment in Latin America, and the reforms in progress are increasing its attractiveness. There are already many Finnish companies with a presence in Mexico, for instance in the ICT, energy and clean tech sectors,” said President Niinistö and encouraged Mexican companies to invest in Finland in turn.
President Peña Nieto pointed to Finland’s excellence in education and the forest sector and to innovation cooperation. The state visit also involved signing cooperation agreements in those fields between universities and export organisations.
Regional and international issues were also on the agenda. President Niinistö noted that Mexico’s international role and influence are growing. “It is becoming a mediator. In today’s world, we need countries that care – also about one another,” said President Niinistö.
The talks between the two presidents also concerned the development of the rule of law in Mexico and the case of human rights activist Jyri Jaakkola, who was killed in Mexico in 2010.
President Niinistö also presented an invitation for President Peña Nieto to visit Finland.
The state visit continues on Tuesday with President Niinistö visiting the Senate of the Republic and meeting other government leaders. Business meetings and a seminar on economic relations between Finland and Mexico are also being held during the state visit, and the visitors will also be introduced to the culture and history of Mexico.
Finnish expertise generates interest
The state visit includes a delegation of business leaders from companies in the energy, clean tech and ICT sectors, among others. Representatives of scientific and research institutions are also included.
Mexico is currently making substantial investments in infrastructure and in energy, telecommunications and education; these offer potential for foreign enterprises. Finland’s exports to Mexico have tripled within a few years, and there is still plenty of growth potential. At the moment, there are about 30 Finnish businesses operating in the country. Finnish expertise in environmental matters, water supply and waste processing are of interest in Mexico.
The last president of Finland to visit Mexico was President Ahtisaari in 1999.
President Niinistö will return to Finland on Thursday 28 May.
- Speech by President of the Republic Sauli Niinistö at an official luncheon in Mexico City on 25 May 2015
- Speech by President of the Republic Sauli Niinistö at the Senate of the Republic of Mexico on 26 May 2015
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Joint Communiqué between Finland and Mexico – Mexico and Finland: Consolidating the relationship in the 21st century - Comunicado Conjunto México – Finlandia: México y Finlandia: Consolidando la relación en el siglo xxi
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