MEXICO CITY – Singapore will open an embassy in Mexico City in 2026, reflecting deeper ties between both countries.
President Tharman Shanmugaratnam announced this on Dec 2 during
his first state visit
to Mexico and also Latin America.
“Our decision reflects Singapore’s confidence in Mexico’s future and will allow us to engage with Mexico’s leaders, officials and the business and cultural community more actively and deeply,” said Mr Tharman, in remarks to the media alongside Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum at the National Palace located in the Mexican capital.
The Mexican mission will be Singapore’s first embassy in the Spanish-speaking world and second in Latin America, after opening one in Brazil in 2012.
This follows Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s announcement in November of a
new embassy in Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa
by 2027, after he said in April that Singapore will open new diplomatic missions in Africa and Latin America over the next few years.
Both Mr Tharman and Ms Sheinbaum gave their remarks after witnessing the signing of two memorandums of understanding.
The first on international development cooperation will allow both countries to promote economic and social development in developing countries using complementary financial, technical and human resources.
The second agreement covers cooperation in coral reef restoration and a sustainable blue economy. A sustainable blue economy uses ocean resources for economic development while ensuring the health of the marine ecosystem.
Both countries’ shared commitment to a better future is the cornerstone of the deepening relationship, said Mr Tharman, who highlighted the growing economic and cultural ties in his remarks.
The 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations is the launch pad for a new era in both countries’ relationship, one of greater depth and breadth, he added. Singapore first established diplomatic ties with Mexico in December 1975.
Citing a Spanish saying “donde hay amistad, no hay distancia” – where there is friendship there is no distance – Mr Tharman said it captures the spirit of the partnership between both countries.
The state visit occurs amid global change and uncertainty, with a weakening rules-based international order and shifting supply chains.
Against this backdrop, Singapore and Mexico’s relations take on a new significance, said Mr Tharman.
