FOREIGN SECRETARY PATRICIA ESPINOSA DECORATES THE FOREIGN MINISTERS OF COLOMBIA, CHILE AND PERU

Foreign Secretary Patricia Espinosa bestowed the sash of the Mexican Order of the Aztec Eagle on the Foreign Ministers of Chile, Alfredo Moreno Charme; Colombia, María Ángela Holguín Cuéllar; and Peru, Rafael Roncagliolo Orbegoso, during a brief and emotional ceremony at the National Palace.

Foreign Secretary Espinosa said that the decorations were special thanks to the foreign ministers of Chile, Colombia and Peru, countries with which Mexico firmly committed to creating the Pacific Alliance as a truly integrated area between the major economies of Latin America and the Pacific Rim.

While decorating Chilean Foreign Minister Alfredo Moreno Charme, Foreign Secretary Espinosa briefly summarized the work he has done to strengthen the ties between the two nations. She said that, as Minister, Foreign Minister Moreno has been committed to strengthening the bilateral relationship.
Foreign Secretary Espinosa thanked Colombian Foreign Minister María Ángela Holguín Cuéllar for her efforts during her tenure. Her personal involvement in issues of key importance for both countries, such as the fight against drug trafficking and organized crime, has paid off by creating a more dynamic bilateral relationship and a high degree of understanding on all fronts.

In her turn, the Colombian Foreign Minister Chancellor bestowed the Order of San Carlos on Foreign Secretary Patricia Espinosa, who said that it would serve as a reminder of the high level that has been reached by the Mexico-Colombia relationship during the administrations of Presidents Felipe Calderon and Juan Manuel Santos.

Lastly, Foreign Secretary Espinosa highlighted the work done by Peruvian Foreign Minister Rafael Roncagliolo Orbegoso, saying that he had further strengthened the excellent bilateral relationship thanks to his firm commitment to always conduct a direct and fraternal discussion to address issues from the shared agenda, one of whose aspects was the Trade Integration Agreement between the two countries. Foreign Minister Roncagliolo Orbegoso said he was highly honored by the award, in that he has always found a friend in Mexico, which had welcomed him and given him shelter for a time in his life prior to becoming Foreign Minister.

The Mexican Order of the Aztec Eagle is the highest award given by the Mexican government to foreigners in recognition of their significant contributions to Mexico.