Mexico committed to trade talks with S. Korea, eyes more cooperation in AI, space: top diplomat

Mexican Foreign Secretary Roberto Velasco Alvarez said Mexico is committed to resuming free trade agreement (FTA) talks with South Korea, which stalled in 2008, and aims to strengthen cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI), space, and other advanced sectors. Velasco made the remarks during an interview with Yonhap News Agency in Seoul on Tuesday, on his first trip to Asia since taking office in April.

Mexico is committed to continuing long-stalled talks with South Korea on a free trade agreement FTA , the country's top diplomat has said, stressing the importance of strengthening ties with Seoul in artificial intelligence AI , space and other advanced sectors. Mexican Foreign Secretary Roberto Velasco Alvarez made the remarks during an exclusive interview with Yonhap News Agency in Seoul on Tuesday. He was on a three-day visit to South Korea that began Sunday, his first trip to Asia since taking office in April. "We know that trade between Mexico and Korea is important. So we intend to continue our trade conversations with Korea down the line," Velasco said. South Korea and Mexico began FTA negotiations in 2006, but the talks stalled in 2008 amid opposition mainly from some Mexican industries. The two countries agreed in 2022 to resume negotiations, but formal talks have yet to restart. The issue is particularly relevant for Korean companies, as Mexico has raised tariffs on certain imports from countries with which it does not have an FTA, including South Korea. "We are looking for al