Leaders Ink New Bilateral Agreement
In a significant diplomatic development, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum formally signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement in Mexico City on Thursday, September 18, 2025. The pact is designed to strengthen the relationship between Canada and Mexico, focusing on critical areas including trade, infrastructure, energy, crime, and environmental protection.
The agreement, which has been described as initiating 'a new era of elevated co-operation,' comes as both countries prepare for upcoming negotiations concerning the trilateral Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA/USMCA).
Key Pillars of Cooperation Outlined
The newly established partnership, also referred to as the Mexico-Canada Action Plan 2025-2028, builds upon existing diplomatic relations and aims to enhance collaboration across several strategic pillars. Key initiatives and areas of focus include:
- Trade and Investment: Efforts to deepen trade ties and boost bilateral commerce, with Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc slated to lead a trade mission to Mexico. Bilateral trade between the two nations reached nearly $56 billion in 2024, with Canadian direct investment in Mexico at $46.4 billion.
- Infrastructure Development: Plans to build essential infrastructure such as ports, rail, and energy corridors to facilitate greater connectivity and economic exchange.
- Energy and Environment: Addressing energy issues and enhancing environmental protection efforts. President Sheinbaum, an environmental engineer, has previously emphasized Mexico's desire for Canadian mining companies to adhere to its environmental regulations.
- Security and Crime: Tackling crime, including combating drug and firearm trafficking, and supporting migrant integration through a $9.9 million funding initiative for United Nations-led projects.
Strengthening North American Ties Amidst Global Shifts
Both leaders emphasized that this bilateral agreement is intended to 'complement' the broader North American trade framework, particularly in anticipation of challenging negotiations with the United States. Prime Minister Carney stated his confidence that these discussions would 'reinforce the strength of our economies' and highlight that the countries are 'stronger together.' President Sheinbaum, speaking in Spanish, affirmed her conviction that the trilateral trade agreement 'is the best thing for all three countries.'
The agreement follows previous high-level engagements, including a meeting between Carney and Sheinbaum at the G7 Summit in Kananaskis and a visit by Canadian ministers to Mexico in August. This strategic partnership underscores a concerted effort by Canada and Mexico to fortify their relationship and ensure prosperity and security for their citizens in a dynamic global landscape.
7 Comments
Bermudez
Carney and Sheinbaum are showing real leadership. This pact will yield huge benefits.
Comandante
Finally, leaders prioritizing collaboration on trade and environment. Very hopeful for the future!
Bella Ciao
The idea of strengthening North American ties is commendable, and this partnership could be a step in the right direction. But history shows that such pacts often struggle with enforcement and overcoming nationalistic interests.
Muchacha
President Sheinbaum's emphasis on environmental regulations for Canadian mining is important. While beneficial for Mexico, it could create friction if not carefully managed, potentially impacting Canadian investment willingness.
Mariposa
The $9.9 million for migrant integration is a drop in the bucket. Pure PR.
dedus mopedus
Too much focus on trade, not enough on the real issues facing everyday citizens in both countries.
Katchuka
This strategic partnership is a brilliant move! Strengthening ties before CUSMA is smart.