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Mexico
city - Foreign relations
Traditionally, the Government of Mexico
has sought to maintain its interests abroad and project its influence
largely through moral persuasion. In particular, Mexico champions
the principles of nonintervention and self-determination. In its
efforts to revitalize its economy and open up to international
competition, Mexico has sought closer relations with the U.S.,
western Europeand the
Pacific Basin. While the United States and Mexico are often in
agreement on foreign policy issues, some differences remain--in
particular, relations with Cuba .
The U.S. and Mexico agree on the ultimate goal of establishing
a democratic free-market regime in Cuba but disagree on tactics
to reach that goal. Vicente Fox
the Mexican president as of 2004, has promised to more actively
promote international human
rights and democracy and increase Mexico's participation in international
affairs.
Participation in International
OrganizationsMexico actively participates in several international
organizations. It held a seat on the UN Security Council (2002-03).
It is a supporter of the United Nations and Organization of American
States systems and also pursues its interests through a number of
ad hoc international bodies. Mexico has been selective in its membership
in other international organizations. It declined, for example,
to become a member of Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries.
Nevertheless, Mexico does seek to diversify its diplomatic and economic
relations, as demonstrated by its accession to GATT in 1986; its
joining APEC in 1993; becoming, in April 1994, the first Latin American
member of the OECD; and a founding member of the World Trade Organization
in 1996. Mexico attended the 1994 Summit of the Americas, held in
Santiago, Chile
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