South Africa:20th Anniversary of Bilateral Relations between South Africa and Mexico

In 2013, South Africa and Mexico celebrate 20 years of bilateral relations.

To mark this milestone for both countries, the South African Post Office issued a Miniature Sheet, containing one stamp, on 25 October 2013.

Issue Description
Before 1993, Mexico didn't recognise South Africa's Government. However, as early as 1991, Nelson Mandela, who was the leader of the ANC at the time, visited Mexico to pave the way for formal diplomatic relations. Mandela's vision became a reality when the two countries established diplomatic relations on 26 October 1993. By 1994, both nations had established diplomatic missions in each other's capitals.

Relations between the two countries have since been characterised by high-level political dialogue and mutual recognition of their influence and power in their respective regions.

Bilateral trade has been growing at a steady pace and today South Africa is Mexico's largest trading partner in Africa, while Mexico is South Africa's third largest trading partner in Latin America. In 2012, trade reached more than 1,2 billion US dollars.

Similarities

Like South Africa, Mexico is a country of contrasts, a rich and colourful cultural heritage, beautiful and varied landscapes, and a fascinating history. Mexico, like South Africa, is also a multi-ethnic and multi-lingual country. Its population is made up of mestizos (indigenous and Spanish heritage), indigenous people of pre-Columbian origin, as well as people of European, particularly Spanish, ancestry.

The most spoken language in Mexico is Spanish, but approximately 6% of the populations speaks an indigenous language like Mayan or Nahuatl, among others. The Mexican Government recognises 68 different indigenous linguistic groups and is keen on preserving their cultural identity.

Location and Population

Mexico is bordered in the north by the United States of America; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of Mexico. Covering 1 972 550 sq km, Mexico is the fifth largest country in the Americas by total land area, and the 13th largest independent nation in the world.

With an estimated population of over 113 million, it is the eleventh most populous and the most populous Spanish-speaking country in the world, and the second most populous country in Latin America. Mexico is a federation comprising 31 states and a Federal District - Mexico City. Mexico City is one of the largest cities in the world with a total population of about 9 million.

Bilateral Relations

South Africa is one of Mexico's priority partners in Africa and the two countries are working towards consolidating their bilateral ties in the political, economic, commercial, investment, cultural and legal areas.

In the multilateral area, collaboration on various issues continue, particularly regarding peace and security, disarmament, climate change, migration, and the strengthening of multilateralism. Mexico and South Africa maintain a constructive dialogue and close cooperation in the context of the G-20 forum.

In April 2010, Mexico held the First Meeting of the Bi-National Commission co-chaired by Mexican Foreign Secretary, Ms. Patricia Espinosa and South Africa's Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms. Maite Nkoana-Mashabane. In this context, the Joint Declaration: Mexico and South Africa: Towards a Priority Relationship, was signed.

In 2010, President Jacob Zuma and Mexican President Felipe Calderon held bilateral talks when the Mexican President attended the opening ceremony of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The two leaders agreed to broaden political dialogue and heighten bilateral relations.

Cooperation and Agreements

There are ample opportunities for bilateral and trilateral cooperation in the scientific, technical, social development, environment and agriculture, as well as in the educational and cultural spheres. The Scientific and Technological Cooperation Agreement signed in April 2010, is aimed at promoting joint projects in these fields to benefit both countries.

In 2006, the Agreement on Technical Cooperation in the Field of Social Development was signed. This led to negotiations relating to the 2010 – 2012 Work Plan, which included collaboration on strategies and policies to eradicate poverty and inequality.

Negotiations around the implementation of various other agreements are ongoing.

Miniature Sheet
The Miniature Sheet, which contains one stamp with a B4 value, is available on its own or mounted in a Souvenir Folder.

A distinctive logotype that interlinks the words "South Africa", "Mexico" and the Roman numerals XX was specially designed for the Miniature Sheet. These interlinked words symbolise the bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

The words "20 Years Bilateral Relations" appear on the stamp and Miniature Sheet emphasising the link between the Roman numerals XX and the 20 Years of Bilateral Relations.

References & Notes
References

Notes