Mexico and Egypt: Independence, friendship and bridges for the future

Every September, Mexicans come together to remember the beginning of our struggle for Independence in 1810. In 2026, we commemorate the 216th anniversary of that decisive call for freedom and sovereignty. It marked the beginning of a long national journey, built by generations of women and men who have worked to make Mexico a more just, democratic, and inclusive country.

Our Independence is not only a chapter in history. It is a living responsibility. It reminds us that we must exercise sovereignty every day through respect for human dignity, the rule of law, social justice, and the peaceful coexistence of nations. It also reminds us that a nation is strongest not when it turns inward, but when it engages with the world with confidence in its identity and openness to others.

This conviction has guided Mexico’s friendship with Egypt. This year, we also celebrate the 68th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries. Since 1958, Mexico and Egypt have built a bond founded on mutual respect, dialogue, and a natural affinity between two societies proud of their ancient civilizations and their modern aspirations.

Although separated by geography, Mexicans and Egyptians recognize in one another a profound attachment to family and community, a rich cultural memory, and a remarkable ability to transform heritage into a living identity. Our relationship is therefore not simply one between governments; it is a connection between peoples.

Culture remains the most eloquent expression of that connection. In 2026, Mexican literature found new readers in Egypt through the presentation of the Arabic translation of Canek at the Cairo International Book Fair and the Arabic edition of Guadalupe Nettel’s La hija única. The launch of the Fourth Contest for the Translation of Mexican Literature into Arabic, devoted to Vicente Leñero’s La gota de agua, gives new momentum to a project that supports Egyptian translators and opens Mexican ideas, stories, and sensibilities to the Arab-speaking world.

The exchange also reached Cairo’s streets and public transportation system. The photographic exhibition Mexico 2026: Where the Game Lives was first presented in downtown Cairo in collaboration with the Cairo Governorate and later brought to Cairo Stadium Metro Station in cooperation with Egyptian transportation authorities and RATP Dev Mobility Cairo. The exhibition showed how football lives not only in stadiums, but also in neighborhoods, markets, and landscapes throughout Mexico. It offered Egyptian audiences a portrait of our country through a passion shared by both our peoples: the joy of the game and the sense of belonging it creates.

Our economic relationship also rests on confidence and long-term commitment. Mexico remains the leading Latin American investor in Egypt, while Egyptian companies have found important opportunities in Mexico. Cooperation in infrastructure, manufacturing, water management, energy, and services has created value in both countries. There is still ample room to expand trade, investment, and technological collaboration, particularly in areas that advance sustainable and inclusive development.

On the political front, Mexico and Egypt maintain a regular dialogue on bilateral and global issues. At a time of profound international uncertainty, both countries understand the value of diplomacy, international law, multilateral cooperation, and the peaceful settlement of disputes. Our histories have taught us that sovereignty and peace are mutually reinforcing: respect among nations is the indispensable basis for cooperation.

As Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of Mexico in Egypt, I express my sincere gratitude to the Egyptian institutions, cultural partners, scholars, artists, entrepreneurs, and friends who bring this relationship to life. I also recognize the Mexican community in Egypt, whose solidarity, creativity, and affection for our country make every national celebration especially meaningful.

Mexico’s Independence gave our nation the freedom to shape its own destiny. Our friendship with Egypt shows how sovereign nations can use that freedom to build understanding, opportunity, and peace. As we commemorate the 216th anniversary of the beginning of our Independence and the 68th anniversary of diplomatic relations, let us continue to bring our peoples closer, with pride in our roots and confidence in the future.

Long live Mexico!
Long live Egypt!
Long live the friendship between our peoples!

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