Ireland’s relationship with Mexico
Ireland and Mexico share a rich, multifaceted relationship, rooted in historical connections and strengthened by ever deepening diplomatic, economic and cultural exchanges.
Diplomatic relations between Ireland and Mexico were established in 1975. Since then, relations have flourished, building a strong and dynamic partnership.
Historical links
Historic connections date back to the Spanish colonisation of Mexico. Several Spanish viceroys, notably the last Spanish viceroy, Juan O’Donojú, were of Irish descent. Wexford’s William Lamport, inspiration for Zorro, laid some of the intellectual foundations for Mexican independence.
During the Mexican-American War (1846-1848), Irish-American immigrants in the US Army, defected to fight on the Mexican side, with many executed. The Batallón de San Patricio remains a symbol of the bond between Ireland and Mexico.
Diplomatic engagement
The establishment of resident diplomatic Missions marked a significant milestone in Irish-Mexican relations. Mexico opened its Embassy in Dublin in June 1991, followed by Ireland in Mexico City in September 1999.
High-level visits have since solidified this relationship. Notably, Taoiseach Albert Reynolds visited Mexico in 1994, followed by President Mary McAleese in 1999: in 2002, Mexican President Vicente Fox became the first Mexican leader to visit Ireland. Most recently, in January 2024, Tánaiste Micheál Martin visited Mexico to inaugurate Ireland’s new Chancery, as well as Ireland’s Office for Central America, based out of the Embassy in Mexico City.
Economic and trade relations
Economic cooperation between Ireland and Mexico has grown significantly since establishing diplomatic relations. Both nations are members of the United Nations (UN), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Our shared global outlook has facilitated collaboration in trade, investment and sustainable development. In 2023, the Global Ireland Strategy for Latin America and the Caribbean was launched, a framework for deeper engagement with Mexico, particularly on trade, culture, education and people-to-people exchanges.
Cultural and educational exchanges
Cultural and educational exchanges play a vital role in the relationship between Ireland and Mexico, promoting mutual understanding and appreciation, and include important initiatives such as academic partnerships, student exchange programs, and participation in cultural festivals.
The Eavan Boland-Anne Enright Irish Studies Chair at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), in partnership with the Embassy of Ireland, regularly hosts major figures in Irish culture, including author Anne Enright and, most recently, artist Rita Duffy.
Looking to the future
Both Ireland and Mexico have a demonstrated commitment to further deepening our relationship, building on recent engagements and exchanges on health, trade, investment promotion, diaspora and international migration, as well as partnerships on key issues in multilateral forums such as Women, Peace and Security (WPS) and Disarmament.