Amid Washington’s tariffs, Moscow finds a new friend in North America.
MEXICO CITY – In a constantly shifting global landscape, where geopolitical tensions rise and fall, Russia and Mexico have shown remarkable resilience and pragmatism, said Nikolay Sofinskiy, Russia’s ambassador to Mexico, in a column for La Jornada. He stated that this was the central theme of the first Russia-Mexico Business Forum, recently held in Mexico City. More than 150 representatives from large and medium-sized companies gathered not just to exchange contacts, but to explore opportunities, share ideas, and most importantly, find ways to act in the present.
Organized by the Roscongress Foundation with support from the Trade Representation of the Russian Federation in Mexico and Mexico’s National Chamber of the Transformation Industry (Canacintra), the forum marked a milestone in bilateral economic relations. The symbolic opening included a plenary session titled “Russia and Mexico: Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow,” which covered economic matters while emphasizing trust and a shared vision for the future built on common history and clear present goals.
The ambassador noted that forum participants discussed joint projects in mineral resource extraction and renewable energy. “Russia, with its vast expertise, can provide valuable knowledge and technology, while Mexico seeks to modernize its energy sector.” Talks went beyond traditional areas like energy and pharmaceuticals to include digitization, science, and culture.
A highlight of the forum was the discussion titled “Digital Bridge: Innovation and Cooperation between Russia and Mexico.” In a fast-moving technological environment, both nations expressed interest in joint projects in information and communication technologies (ICT) and the digitization of the economy. Russian tech companies showcased developments that could be adapted to the Mexican market to enhance business efficiency and strengthen digital infrastructure.
Cultural and humanitarian collaboration also took a prominent role. A dedicated panel highlighted the importance of strengthening ties in education, science, and culture, including student and scholar exchange programs, joint cultural events, and initiatives to foster mutual understanding. The contribution of Russian scholar Yuri Knórozov to Mayan studies was referenced as an example of the deeper connections between both peoples beyond just markets and investment.
Separately, the Mexican government announced a new round of negotiations with the U.S. over the tariffs imposed by the White House on Mexican-made vehicles, steel, and aluminum. According to Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard, talks will be held during Easter Week in Washington. Mexico’s automotive sector, one of the most integrated with the U.S., may benefit from tariff discounts under integration criteria.
