Mexico and the Maghreb: A Reunion?

In this article, the author takes a look at the direction Mexico’s foreign policy has taken with regard to the Arab World, particularly the Maghreb. Based on the 2001-2006 National Development Plan, Zidane Zeraoui underlines what little weight the Middle East and Africa bear within our foreign trade structure. According to the author, our foreign trade policy is currently focused on national borders, North America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, which explains why the Middle East is not deemed a strategic area as far as national priorities are concerned. In light of the above, the author makes an in-depth analysis of Mexico’s relations with Algeria and Morocco, two countries of the Maghreb that hold great potential for us. He concludes that the Maghreb is an attractive area for Mexico in terms of foreign trade and that, if this potential were recognized, relations with the region could be strengthened, with a view to achieving objectives that go beyond mere diplomatic formalities.