Connectivity to boost trade, tourism between Qatar and Mexico
Doha: Bilateral relations between Qatar and Mexico require connectivity to promote both countries’ positions geopolitically, and in the global economy, an official of the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said.
Speaking to The Peninsula on the sidelines of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Security Last-Mile Conference, Alfonso Zegbe, Executive Director of Public Diplomacy, Mexico Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Coordinator-General of the Mexican Strategy for the FWC Qatar 2022, said both countries recognise their positions in the world and would consolidate on their strong political dialogue to boost the existing relationship.
“Both countries recognise they have an important role in the world far beyond their geopolitical regions. Mexico has a leadership role in Latin America and the Caribbean but also acts as a G-20 country and is a non-permanent, non-resident member of the Security Council of the United Nations. Qatar is not just a leading country in the Middle East, but has global activity in many terms, and is a significant investor in many countries,” Zegbe said.
“We need to continue working, and boosting the bilateral relationship and connectivity is necessary. Then we need to boost investment, increase the amount of trade, and exchange tourists — this is what we’re looking for. We have an excellent political dialogue. Our Minister of Foreign Affairs, Marcelo Ebrard, recently visited Doha and met with authorities, including Qatar’s Minister of Foreign Affairs,” he added.
Zegbe said Mexico is one of the key countries in the global supply chain, including agriculture, pharmacy, medical appliances, cars, air space and many other topics. On the other hand, Qatar is an investor in many fields.
Commenting on reports of Qatar Airways commencing flights to Mexico, Zegbe said reaching that aim would depend on many factors.
“That depends on the capacity, planes, and dimensions because it’s a long distance. So I don’t know how many planes can do it and where the stop could be. So there are many elements to bringing an aircraft from one point to another; it’s not like a car. It involves many things and many studies, but we would like to do it with many countries in the region. We want Qatar Airways also to fly to Mexico City, that’s for sure.
“We are connected with the major European capitals, so a direct flight between Mexico and Qatar would be more connectivity with the Middle East.”