Mexican leader sees ‘excellent’ ties with PH under Duterte

MEXICO CITY—Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto has expressed confidence that ties between his country and the Philippines would remain excellent under the administration of presumptive President-elect Rodrigo Duterte.

The Mexican leader “warmly greeted’’ the Philippines on its May 9 national elections when he received newly-installed Philippine Ambassador to Mexico Eduardo Jose de Vega on May 11 at the Palacio Nacional in the Mexican capital, the Philippine Embassy said.

Peña Nieto also thanked President Aquino for hosting the Mexican delegation during his state visit to the Philippines and attendance at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit (Apec) in November last year, it added.

“President Peña Nieto also expressed his confidence that the excellent relations between the Philippines and Mexico would continue under the new Philippine administration,’’ the Embassy said.

Peña Nieto as well as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was  among heads of state that became known to Filipinos as the “Apec Hotties” during the regional summit.

Trade between the Philippines and Mexico reached $486.61 million in 2014, and $203.15 million as of May 2015.

An estimated 635 Filipinos, mostly professionals, are based in Mexico.

The Embassy said Peña Nieto inquired with De Vega about the Philippine electoral system following the May 9 elections.

De Vega, among 18 ambassadors who presented their credentials to Peña Nieto on the same day, also briefly explained to the Mexican leader that Filipinos separately elect the president and vice president. Mexico is a federal state.