At CELAC-Africa High-Level Forum, Foreign Secretary De la Fuente Calls for Respectful Collaboration and Stronger Multilateralism

At the Tenth Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) in Bogotá, Colombia, Foreign Secretary Juan Ramón de la Fuente participated in the Meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs.

In his remarks, Secretary De la Fuente stressed that as the world undergoes change, Latin America and the Caribbean should do everything possible to mount a stronger, more coordinated response, built on greater solidarity, generosity, and collective action. The current moment, he said, demands that this commitment be reaffirmed not merely as an aspiration but as an urgent priority.

"It has not always been possible, but we have found workable formulas and alternatives compelling enough not to abandon. This forum remains a place for finding solutions to many of our shared challenges," he said.

Secretary De la Fuente acknowledged that CELAC has shown that working together is possible. "We have laid solid foundations to advance the fight against poverty and hunger, to improve health and education systems, to promote science and technology, and to prepare for and respond effectively to natural disasters, among other challenges," he said.

He stressed that now is the time to strengthen collective autonomy, and that this can be achieved by building national and regional capacities.

He also underscored that many of the changes sweeping the world translate directly into everyday concerns for our peoples: the price of food, shortages of medicines and vaccines, fuel scarcity, and the precariousness of basic services.

Secretary De la Fuente noted that CELAC is the only body that brings together every country in Latin America and the Caribbean, and the forum where mutual understanding among peoples who share a deep historical and cultural heritage has found its fullest expression.

He outlined a forward-looking agenda for Mexico, identifying several priorities to contribute to strengthening regional sovereignty: food security, improved access to vaccines and medicines, natural disaster prevention and management, energy security and transition, and the advancement of education, science, technology, and innovation.

Finally, echoing President Claudia Sheinbaum's commitment, Secretary De la Fuente reaffirmed that humanitarian assistance to the Cuban people will continue. He also reaffirmed the constitutional principles of Mexico's foreign policy: self-determination of peoples, non-intervention, and the peaceful settlement of disputes.

CELAC-AFRICA High-Level Forum

During the CELAC-Africa Heads of State and Government segment, Secretary De la Fuente highlighted that the two regions are bound by shared history, culture, and development aspirations. Together they represent more than two billion people, with unique potential to advance development cooperation rooted in mutual respect, for the benefit of peoples on both sides of the Atlantic.

He noted that "African heritage is woven into Mexico's own cultural identity, particularly in the states of Guerrero, Oaxaca, and Veracruz, where many community traditions bear witness to that shared history."

Today, this presence is firmly recognized in Mexico, a fact that is reflected in our legal framework. Under the governments of the Fourth Transformation, recognition of Afro-Mexican peoples and communities, as well as the rights of indigenous and Afro-Mexican peoples, was incorporated into our Constitution. More than three million people in Mexico identify as Afro-Mexican.

Mexico reiterates the importance of decisively strengthening multilateralism and recognizes the prominent voice of both regions in this area and in the defense of international law.

Mexican humanism, Secretary De la Fuente said, "places people at the center of all public action and holds that development is only real when it reaches everyone, without exception."

Lastly, Secretary De la Fuente urged that the emerging bi-regional agenda incorporate, as a cross-cutting priority, women's leadership and the principle of substantive equality. "There can be no genuine development without the effective participation of women in all areas of public life."

In closing, Secretary De la Fuente invited all countries to enjoy the upcoming FIFA World Cup, to be held in Mexico, noting that the country is ready to host the tournament for the third time. Sport, he said, will be a powerful bridge between our societies.

Mexico and South Africa will face each other in the opening game for the second time. "It will be a game that embodies, on the field, the spirit of unity between our regions, a celebration of friendship between our peoples."