Ambassador Viktor Elbling in Mexico
German ambassadors present insights into the world of diplomacy and their host countries in the deutschland.de series “Foreign posting”. Part 10: Viktor Elbling in Mexico.
Mr Elbling, which issues currently dominate bilateral relations between Germany and Mexico?
Mexico is one of our most important partners. Our relations are very varied and encompass all areas of political, economic, cultural and social life. If I were to attempt to narrow this down a little, I would say that the subject of sustainable development is very central here. In this I would also include questions of climate and environmental protection, a sustainable energy policy, urban development as well as education and training. The challenge facing us all involves generating economic growth that benefits the population as a whole without increasing the excessive exploitation of natural resources and the environment while simultaneously offering people prospects for the future and a living space with high quality of life. That is why we have set up a dialogue forum for a sustainable future jointly with Centro Mario Molina. Here German and Mexican experts want to engage in joint discussion and develop sustainable solutions with regard to subjects such as transport, climate protection and energy. Mexico has great potential in the field of renewable energies. At the same time, it is still possible to increase energy efficiency and reduce energy losses. German researchers and companies have a great deal of experience and specialist knowledge in this field. The opening up of the Mexican energy sector gives rise to very good opportunities for cooperation. We are also working closely with Mexico on the subject of vocational education. We are supporting the introduction of a Mexican model of dual training. This model aims to offer young Mexicans an alternative to a university education. It gives young people from poorer social strata who cannot afford a higher education the chance to receive a good training while earning money. This also increases social mobility. The demand for well-trained specialist technical employees in Mexico is very high. This therefore also benefits the 1,700 German businesses that are active on the Mexican market. It’s a classic win-win situation.
What special ties are there between Mexico and Germany? In which areas would you like to deepen relations?
Our countries’ ties go back a long way. Germans’ interest in Mexico was aroused by Alexander von Humboldt’s journey in 1803/1804 and his report about the country. Since then various waves of emigration have led to Germans and people of German origin contributing to the development of Mexico in all areas of society. Germany is a privileged partner in Europe for Mexico. Our economic relations are certainly a mainstay. 1,700 German companies have invested around 25 billion euros in Mexico, creating 120,000 jobs. Additional investments are following. Our companies believe in Mexico. But it is much more than just an important trading partner. We share a system of values, a free society, sustainable development, peaceful conflict resolution and respect for human rights. That is why we are also supporting Mexico in overcoming the challenges that face it during these months – for example, the further development of the constitutional state. We wish to increase our cooperation in all areas. A joint project in the field of forensics is currently being prepared. The Mexican government has decided that Mexico will take part in United Nations peace missions in the future, and it would like to share the experience that Germany has gained in this area over recent years. I consider it important that we further strengthen the exchange of young Germans and Mexicans – school students, university students, young employees and researchers. They build bridges between our societies by learning the language of the other country, completing school visits, studying, working and establishing friendships. This will contribute to making our relations even stronger in the future.
In 2014 it was agreed to establish a joint governmental commission. What are your expectations of this body?
The so-called Binational Commission, which will assemble for the first time on 8 June 2015 in Berlin, is also intended to contribute to the further development and deepening of our relations. It offers a platform for regular and even closer political dialogue between the governments of our two countries. The Binational Commission will facilitate exchanges of views about subjects of mutual interest and the development of joint initiatives, also within multilateral frameworks.
In 2016 a Germany Year is planned in Mexico and a Mexico Year in Germany. Where will the main emphases lie? What will the highlights be?
We aim to use the Germany Year to modernise Mexico’s already very positive image of Germany, which is often still based on traditional ideas. We want to give Mexicans a comprehensive insight into modern German society, into our cultural life, business and research. They are to receive an impression of the reality of life in our country today. The main thematic emphases will be science, research and innovation, the environment and sustainability, mobility and integration as well as education, above all, vocational education. The many highlights we have planned certainly include an electric car sharing project, an Alexander von Humboldt Garden, with which we want to underline the importance of biodiversity, and an Otto Dix exhibition.
The view of a country from inside is often different from how it is seen from outside. Based on your personal experiences, what needs to be said about Mexico?
I believe many Germans’ image of Mexico is shaped by two opposing influences that only reflect a limited part of the reality in this large, multilayered country with countless facets. On one hand, they are the main tourist centres – above all, the beaches of Yucatán around Cancún – that many Germans know from their vacations. And, of course, the many TexMex restaurants in Germany that have familiarised Germans with elements of Mexican cuisine, which incidentally UNESCO has declared part of humanity’s cultural heritage. On the other hand, reporting in the German media strongly emphasises Mexico’s security problems and the subject of drugs. Of course, Mexico faces great challenges in the field of security and in relation to the drug cartels, and it is important that these problems are very resolutely addressed. In addition to this, however, the country has developed enormously in recent years. Mexico is the world’s seventh largest car producer and its aviation industry is making exceptional progress. The country is rich in culture and has over 30 World Heritage Sites. Mexico City is the world’s second largest metropolitan area with a vibrant cultural and night life; it is the city with the most museums in the world, lots of green spaces and a constantly improving infrastructure for cyclists. It is worth travelling the country and discovering its many faces, also outside the tourist centres.
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