The Tuxtla Mechanism and Central America in Mexico’s Foreign Policy

According to Marco Alcázar and Laura Mora, Mexico’s shortening of the gap between itself and Central America is due particularly to the history of the country and of the isthmus, similar in many aspects, as well as to the principles of Mexican foreign policy, one of which relates to international development cooperation. The Tuxtla Mechanism is one of the instruments of cooperation between Mexico and Central America. The authors review the historical, social and political context from which it arose, and report on the political process that has made it possible to deepen the relationship between the two parties. As the fruits of this period of closer contact, they mention the incorporation of Central America into the Rio Group, the advances made in consolidating a free trade zone, the institutionalization of the Puebla Process, and regional and bilateral cooperation with the countries of the isthmus. As the authors explain, Tuxtla I meant recognition of the importance of the Central American isthmus countries for Mexico’s national security; Tuxtla II, the renewed impulse toward a favored association between Mexico and Central America; Tuxtla III, the institutionalization of regional cooperation and the impulse toward regional integration, and Tuxtla IV can be profiled as the forum in which the concept of Mesoamerica can be reinforced. According to the authors, Mexico and Central America have constructed a shared vision of the future of this region, which will have to be approached with determination and intelligence if we want to take advantage of the opportunities and overcome the challenges raised by the international circumstance of the new century.