La Jornada: European Council recognizes Mexico for defending sovereignty

The president of the European Council, António Luis Santos da Costa, highlighted yesterday that Mexico has always fought for its independence, freedom and popular sovereignty. He has defended “the conviction that no people has the right to decide the destiny of another,” he stressed upon being received at a solemn session of the Permanent Commission of Congress.

On the eve of the signing of the Modernized Global Agreement with Europe, he assured that tariffs will be eliminated or reduced, which will boost trade and investment. On the other hand, he called for strengthening international law and multilateral institutions.

Mexico and the European Union must be important allies in the reform of the United Nations Organization, he pointed out in front of the Secretary of the Interior, Rosa Icela Rodríguez; the president of the Permanent Commission, Laura Itzel Castillo, and legislators from all political forces.

In the midst of Mexico’s tense relationship with the United States government, headed by Donald Trump, due to the latter’s insistence on carrying out military incursions into national territory to combat drug trafficking cartels, Da Costa said that Mexico has always defended fundamental ideas such as popular sovereignty, the division of powers and the rule of law.

He recalled the apothegm of Benito Juárez: “Among individuals as among nations, respect for the rights of others is peace,” which drew applause from those present.

He pointed out that this phrase is not only a pillar of the Mexican diplomatic tradition, but also a vision of the international order based on law, sovereignty and mutual respect.

In the face of international uncertainty, the counselor explained, Europe is strengthening alliances and creating a multipolar network of partners with various countries. He stressed that the European Union and the world need Mexico.

The official described the agreement as a new, broader bridge better prepared for the challenges of the 21st century.