Mexico, considered by Berlin to be a “key player in the region,” is a strategic partner for Germany, Europe’s largest economy and the world’s third largest, as well as a member of the G20, according to the German presidential office. Steinmeier will spend a day in Mexico, where he will participate in several events on geopolitical and scientific topics, including finding ways to expand the already “excellent” German-Mexican economic ties. Steinmeier’s visit is the first by a German president to Panama, a nation that is the main market for German exports and investments in Central America. “One of the objectives of the visit is to explore ways to further deepen our economic relationship,” stated the German Presidential Office. The two heads of state are also scheduled to meet and hold a press conference, after which Steinmeier will participate in an event at the German Embassy dedicated to democracy and the rule of law in the Guatemala Architectural center designed by Canadian Frank Gehry. On Tuesday, Steinmeier will also meet with indigenous communities and with the construction materials supplier Kaeser Compressors. After having dinner with Bernardo Arévalo de León on Tuesday, Steinmeier will meet with Guatemalan schoolchildren on Wednesday morning and visit the “Selva Maya” international cooperation project. On Tuesday, Steinmeier will travel to Guatemala, where he will be received with military honors by Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo de León. Steinmeier will arrive in Panama City on Monday, where he will be received by Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino. After their meeting, the two heads of state will hold a press conference, which will precede Steinmeier’s visit to the Panama Canal facilities and the Biomuseo. In 2023, bilateral trade reached $29 billion, with German exports to Mexico totaling $18.9 billion and German imports from Mexico amounting to $10.1 billion. Mexico is, in fact, Germany’s most important trading partner in Latin America, according to the German Foreign Ministry. “The focus will be on strengthening relations with trading partners in the region, with whom we share values, as well as promoting democracy, the rule of law, and discussion on global challenges,” according to the German head of state’s office. On Thursday, he is scheduled to be received with military honors by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.
