FOREIGN SECRETARY PATRICIA ESPINOSA IN ITALY

Foreign Secretary Patricia Espinosa traveled to Rome today to chair the third meeting of the Mexico-Italy Binational Commssion, which included meetings of the subcommittees on political affairs, legal and security affairs, economic and financial cooperation and educational, cultural, scientific and technological cooperation.

Foreign Secretary Espinosa and Italian Foreign Minister Giulio Terzi inaugurated the meeting of the Binational Commission and chaired the political affairs subcommittee.
The two officials reviewed the bilateral relationship and agreed to enhance the ongoing, high-level political dialogue, boost trade and investment and implement security strategies, taking specific bilateral and triangular actions, and improving their cooperation in the multilateral forums. They also discussed their bilateral cooperation agreements on small and medium-sized businesses, customs assistance, police cooperation and legal assistance and extradition.

Foreign Secretary Espinosa discussed the interest of Italian businessmen in investing in Mexico, particularly the Italian companies Fiat / Chrysler, Pirelli, Ferrero and Techint Group, with investment projects of about $ 950 million, which confirms that Mexico is a reliable business partner while reflecting the strength of the Mexican economy.
She also discussed the progress made by the Mexican Presidency of the G20 and expressed President Felipe Calderón’s appreciation for the participation of the President of the Council of Ministers, Mario Monti, at the Los Cabos Summit. The two officials exchanged views on the current situation in Europe and its potential impact on other regions.

Foreign Secretary Espinosa and Foreign Minister Terzi signed a "Joint Statement between the United Mexican States and the Italian Republic for a strategic partnership between Mexico and Italy," which will strengthen all aspects of the bilateral relationship. Specifically, the two countries will seek positions of common interest in the multilateral forums on international issues; encourage intergovernmental visits; strengthen bilateral actions against transnational organized crime; encourage businesses from both countries to increase their exchanges and develop new cultural, academic, scientific and technological cooperation projects.

An Agreement on Scientific and Technological Cooperation between Mexico’s CONACYT and the National Research Council of Italy (CNR) was signed that will strengthen cooperation by developing joint research projects in priority sectors for Mexico and Italy.