Foreign Secretary Roberto Velasco Inaugurates 14th International Relations Book Fair

• Fifty exhibitors are taking part, including publishing houses, universities, think tanks, government agencies, and diplomatic missions accredited in Mexico

Foreign Secretary Roberto Velasco Álvarez inaugurated the 14th International Relations Book Fair at the Matías Romero Institute (IMR). This year's fair is devoted to examining diploacy's response to the use of force in a turbulent world.

He said that under the leadership of President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, Mexico practices a diplomacy of principles and results in this environment. This is not, he said, a recent stance, but a proven tradition at the most critical moments in contemporary history, one that has always chosen law over force.

He cited examples from various historical moments: in 1939, President Lázaro Cárdenas's government opened its doors to thousands of Spanish Republicans, confirming that asylum is an instrument of foreign policy; and in 2024, after the break-in at Mexico's Embassy in Quito, Mexico responded with the law. These episodes, he said, show that consistency sustained over time is not just something claimed in words, but a genuine asset.

"A country that responds the same way to similar cases becomes predictable, and predictability is diplomatic capital," he said. He added that when mistrust replaces dialogue, diplomacy becomes even more necessary, since it keeps communication channels open, prevents miscalculations that could escalate a conflict, and protects civilians.

Secretary Velasco reiterated that Mexico's foreign policy is based on core principles: the peaceful settlement of disputes, the prohibition of the threat or use of force, the sovereign equality of states, and respect for international law.

He said Mexican diplomacy has set itself two goals: to strengthen the Matías Romero Institute, led by Ambassador Juan José Bremer, and establish it as the Foreign Ministry's think tank and a source of analysis that informs decision-making, and to encourage a stronger public debate with greater impact on Mexico's foreign policy.

The secretary praised the work of international relations researchers, whose contributions are essential for understanding shifts in the international system, anticipating risks, and proposing options for government action. He said it is strategic for government to engage in ongoing dialogue with academia. The decisions being made, he added, require multidisciplinary analysis that broadens the range of options available and strengthens the Mexican state's foresight.

As part of this year's program, 11 publications will be presented, along with two panel discussions, one on Mexico's relations with Europe and another on diplomacy, sovereignty, and national security.