WASHINGTON, DC – Bahamas Ambassador to the United States Cornelius A. Smith presented his credentials to President Felipe de Jesus Calderon Hinojosa of Mexico in Mexico City on June 24, and used the occasion to promote the “multilateralism” that he said has benefitted both countries.

 The Bahamas and Mexico established diplomatic relations on January, 23, 1974, and during remarks he made at the presentation ceremony, Mr. Smith said the two nations share a common respect for human rights, a belief in the social and economic development of both peoples, and the promotion of peace and security.

 “The pursuit of these ideals has not been without challenges, especially at the national level and in cross-border encounters,” Mr. Smith said. “Our two countries, nevertheless, also share a resolve to overcome these challenges. In this regard, ultimate success is augured by the fact that we have both been blessed with natural resources of global splendour, pluralist yet resilient, talented, hard-working human resources, and rich cultural heritage, universally acknowledged.”

  Multilateralism

 The ambassador said The Bahamas and Mexico have both benefited from multilateralism as enhancer and catalyst for the advancement of the ideals cited.

 The Bahamas and Mexico are both part of the United Nations’ Latin American and Caribbean Group of States.  Mr. Smith said that through this multilateral forum, The Bahamas and Mexico continue to advance their common interests in matters related to disarmament; the respect for human rights and democratic institutions in the hemisphere; the protection of our vulnerable environment; the advancement of women; and mutually beneficial and fair trade between our two countries.

 “Our two countries have also deepened relations through our membership in the Organisation of American States, the Hemisphere’s oldest multilateral body,” he said. “Indeed, most recently, during the 2009-2010 period, The Bahamas served as Vice-Chair of the Inter-American Committee Against Terrorism of the Organisation of American States under the Chairmanship of Mexico. In executing its responsibilities as CICTE Vice-Chair, The Bahamas received the full support and wise counsel of the Mexican delegation to the OAS.”

 Strengthening Relations

 Noting already strong relations between the two countries, Mr. Smith said the Government of The Bahamas seeks to broaden and deepen ties with Mexico.

 “We are pleased that Foreign Direct Investment from Mexican nationals in The Bahamas and the employment generated from these investments continue to grow,” he said. “My Government also encourages Mexican nationals to explore existing business opportunities in The Bahamas through joint ventures with Bahamian partners.”

Mr. Smith also noted that The Bahamas has been the beneficiary of valuable technical assistance from Mexico in the areas of preventative health care and in the training of Spanish-language teachers.

 With respect to the financial services sector, Mr. Smith said Government of The Bahamas was pleased with the conclusion of a Tax Information and Exchange Agreement between the two countries earlier this year, and particularly pleased that the TIEA signing took place during an historic milestone – the first CARICOM-Mexico Summit. He said the gathering resulted in “a laudable work programme on economic matters for our region, including ensuring the resilience of our economies in the wake of the global financial crisis, social development, sustainable development and climate change.”