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-Editorial
In the opening remarks for the XXXVI Meeting of Heads of Embassies and Consulates (REC) 2025, Mexico’s Foreign Minister, Juan Ramón de la Fuente, underscored the importance of unity and responsible work in navigating the modern diplomatic landscape. He emphasized the need for a strong consular, bilateral, and multilateral diplomacy to protect the nation’s principles and safeguard the rights of Mexican citizens abroad.
Addressing the heads of Mexico’s diplomatic missions worldwide, Minister de la Fuente stressed that the country requires a united and committed Foreign Ministry, capable of meeting both domestic and international challenges. He called for an elevated response to the demands of today’s rapidly changing global environment.
In his address, the Foreign Minister reiterated that Mexicans in the United States are not alone, reassuring them of Mexico’s unwavering support. He reaffirmed the government’s belief in the legal system as a crucial tool to protect the rights of all Mexicans, regardless of their immigration status. “Mexico expects from us a professional, ethical, and effective diplomacy. Mexico trusts in our experience, commitment, and vocation of service,” said de la Fuente.
During the meeting, held at the Ministry’s headquarters, the Foreign Minister directed the consular representatives in the U.S. to channel their energy into providing the best consular services. These efforts aim to strengthen the support, trust, and defense of Mexican nationals in the U.S. He also noted the importance of offering the legal resources needed to assist them.
“Our responsibility is to accompany them at all times with a humanistic perspective, active engagement, and commitment,” de la Fuente continued. “We must reflect the human face of our foreign policy, especially where it’s needed most.”
On the topic of legal defense, the Foreign Minister highlighted the expansion of the External Legal Assistance Program (PALE), which currently has 325 active contracts. He also pointed out the valuable partnerships with law schools, legal departments of universities, and pro bono law firms, which contribute to building a robust consular support network. “The legal force we have consolidated at our consulates, including lawyers and assistants, now totals 2,160. If more are needed, we will add them,” he affirmed.
De la Fuente also addressed the evolution of Mexico’s foreign policy, stating that it must reflect the will of the people as expressed in elections. He stressed the need for Mexican diplomacy to evolve beyond traditional areas, adapting to new global challenges such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and the increasing manipulation of global connectivity. These shifts have profound implications for human rights, child protection, and international relations, offering new opportunities to build stronger bridges between nations.
In his remarks, the Foreign Minister also emphasized the continuation of Mexico’s feminist foreign policy. He revealed that the first actions have already been taken within the Ministry to ensure that more women assume leadership roles in Mexico’s foreign representations. This will be an ongoing policy over the next several years, aiming to achieve gender equality in diplomatic appointments.
The XXXVI REC, the first under the administration of President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, serves as a key opportunity to assess and define Mexico’s foreign policy. The meeting will set priorities and objectives to enhance the country’s diplomatic actions in a continuously evolving global context.
Over the course of three days, participants will engage in meetings, discussions, panels, and analyses on critical issues affecting the nation, including development, economy, trade, human mobility, tourism diplomacy, and cultural cooperation, among others. This year’s edition will also feature sessions on the geopolitical contexts of North America, Latin America, Asia-Pacific, and Europe, as well as Mexico’s role in multilateral organizations.
