Carney and Sheinbaum Forge Strategic Partnership in Mexico

Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to enhance diplomatic ties during his visit to Mexico by signing a strategic partnership agreement with President Claudia Sheinbaum. The two-day trip, commencing on Thursday, will focus on critical areas such as infrastructure, trade, health, agriculture, emergency preparedness, and security, according to senior government officials.

This visit is particularly significant as Canada aims to bolster its trade relations with Mexico in light of ongoing trade tensions with the United States. Both nations are also preparing for the upcoming renegotiation of the continental trade agreement that links the three economies. Carney’s trip follows an August 2023 visit by Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand and Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne, who engaged with a delegation of business leaders from both countries to discuss economic growth and security.

On the agenda for Carney and Sheinbaum is a one-on-one meeting scheduled for Thursday, followed by a working lunch with Anand, Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc, and Carney’s parliamentary secretary, Rachel Bendayan. The discussions are expected to tackle issues such as drug and firearm trafficking and other organized crime activities.

Strengthening Security and Economic Collaboration

Experts like Solange Márquez, a professor at the National Autonomous University of Mexico and the University of Toronto, emphasize the importance of this partnership. She notes that both Mexico and Canada have been eager to rebuild their relationships with the U.S. while displaying limited interest in their bilateral ties. “We are seeing each other more like competitors than friends,” Márquez pointed out, highlighting the automotive sector’s significance to both economies amid U.S. efforts to increase domestic manufacturing through tariffs.

Tensions have flared in the past, notably when Ontario Premier Doug Ford criticized comparisons to Mexico regarding fentanyl trafficking, which was met with a stern rebuttal from Sheinbaum. Despite past strains, Márquez asserts that Carney’s visit is viewed positively in Mexico, as it aims to foster mutual respect between the two nations. “For Sheinbaum, it’s a completely different relationship than the one with [former Prime Minister] Trudeau,” she said, indicating a more collaborative dynamic.

Officials from both governments describe the current relationship as “positive.” They share a common goal of enhancing domestic production and increasing economic resilience. However, Márquez warns that clear objectives are essential, especially with the impending renegotiation of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico trade pact. She suggests that the U.S. may attempt to create divisions between the two nations to secure a more favorable deal.

In response to criticism from Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, who accused the Liberals of failing to establish a bilateral trade deal with Mexico, government officials clarified that Carney’s administration has never sought a two-way agreement that excludes the U.S.

Looking Ahead: Trade and Environmental Goals

During a recent press conference, Sheinbaum acknowledged the importance of Mexico and Canada’s trade relations, which involve nearly $56 billion in two-way merchandise trade and $46.4 billion in direct investment in Mexico as of 2024. She expressed that the visit is not intended to undermine the continental alliance, emphasizing, “All three countries want to maintain [the trade deal], but we want to strengthen trade with Canada.”

Both leaders have backgrounds in climate policy, with Sheinbaum as a climate scientist and Carney as a former climate envoy to the United Nations. While climate change is unlikely to be a primary focus during their meetings, energy discussions may arise, particularly regarding Mexico’s approach to renewable resources and mining compliance.

As Mexico navigates its ties with China, following the announcement of tariffs on Chinese goods due to U.S. pressures, the dynamics between Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. remain complex. Notably, the last North American leaders’ summit occurred in January 2023, and officials currently see little interest in organizing another gathering, partly due to the political climates in both the U.S. and Mexico.

As Carney’s visit unfolds, it will be crucial to observe how the partnership evolves and whether it can effectively address the challenges posed by ongoing trade negotiations and security concerns.