In the margins of the closing session of the Italy-Latin America Forum on Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (PYMES), the Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Paolo Gentiloni, met the Mexican Foreign Minister, José Antonio Meade Kuribreña, at Villa Madama. The two foreign ministers reviewed the excellent relations between the two countries. Their discussion focused on “opportunities for SMEs which”, said Gentiloni, “with our system of industrial districts have created true wealth, jobs and social development in Italy”.
“The internationalisation of this model is strategic for us. And the potential to develop economic and commercial cooperation with Mexico is extremely promising, given the size of our respective markets and the synergies in many sectors”, added Minister Gentiloni.
Other issues discussed include the organisation of the 7th Italy-Latin America and the Caribbean Conference in June 2015, security (especially as regards combating drug trafficking), and the 4th Bi-National Commission scheduled to take place in March 2015 in Mexico.
Minister Gentiloni also raised with his counterpart the strong impact that the tragic events involving the students of Iguala has had in Italy. He encouraged the Mexican Government to do everything in its power to identify and punish the culprits and instigators. Minister Meade said that he realised how closely the case was being followed in Mexico and elsewhere. He informed Minister Gentiloni of the measures his government has already undertaken to bring those responsible to justice, and of the legislative reforms currently under way to prevent any recurrence of tragic events of this kind.
