Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-3-2010
Abstract
President Felipe Calderon succeeded to some extent in repositioning Mexico as a leader in Latin America, hosting what was generally perceived as a successful summit of Latin American and Caribbean countries in Quintana Roo state on Feb. 20-23. As host, Mexico took a lead in pushing through a proposal to create a regional consultative bloc that excludes the US and Canada. Calderon was also at the forefront in renewing regional awareness on issues related to energy and environmental sustainability. Although the summit's 10-point action list did not mention energy policy or environmental sustainability, these topics were included in an 88-point document. Mexico also used the summit to solidify its economic relations with Brazil, especially regarding energy. The two countries are the largest economies in Latin America. For some, Mexico's decision to embrace creating a bloc that would rival and perhaps marginalize the Organization of American States (OAS) was important symbolically. "Mexico strengthened its ties to Latin America this week in a manner unseen since last century," the Mexico City daily newspaper El Universal noted in an editorial on Feb. 25. By making this move, the newspaper said, Mexico took a step back from the US, its longtime economic and political ally. "Even if we suppose that it is convenient for Mexico to have the US as its most important ally, the move toward Latin America is an excellent strategy," said the editorial. "This way our neighbor to the north will have to realize that ignoring its ally would be costly."
Language
English
Recommended Citation
SourceMex. "Mexico Attempts To Recapture Leadership Role In Latin America At Regional Summit; Energy, Sustainability On Agenda." (2010). https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/la_energy_notien/185
