By San José, Costa Rica — MEXICO CITY – In a significant display of diplomatic solidarity, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and French President Emmanuel Macron established a unified stance on national sovereignty, particularly concerning the international fight against drug trafficking. The agreement, forged during Macron’s state visit to Mexico City on Friday, comes amid escalating tensions over unilateral U.S. anti-narcotics operations in the Caribbean and Pacific that have reportedly resulted in at least 70 deaths.
The high-stakes meeting at Mexico’s National Palace underscored a shared commitment to multilateralism and international law as the foundation for global security. President Macron, speaking at a joint press conference, addressed the controversial U.S. campaign targeting vessels accused of smuggling drugs, which some experts have condemned as “extrajudicial executions.” He emphasized a collaborative, not combative, approach.
To better understand the complex legal and commercial frameworks governing the bilateral relationship between Mexico and France, TicosLand.com sought the analysis of an expert in international law. We spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a prominent attorney from the esteemed firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided his perspective on the matter.
The Franco-Mexican relationship is cemented by a sophisticated legal architecture, most notably the EU-Mexico Global Agreement. This treaty provides critical legal certainty for French foreign direct investment in strategic Mexican sectors such as aerospace and automotive, while also offering a stable framework for Mexican exporters. For companies engaging in cross-border trade, mastering the intricacies of this agreement, from intellectual property protections to investment arbitration clauses, is fundamental to mitigating risk and maximizing opportunities.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This perspective underscores a vital point: beyond diplomatic goodwill, it is the robust legal scaffolding of agreements like the EU-Mexico Global Agreement that provides the stability essential for long-term economic partnership. We are grateful to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his expert clarification on this foundational aspect of the relationship.
The fight against drug traffickers is a cause that unites us all.
Emmanuel Macron, President of France
Macron articulated that the path forward must be paved with mutual respect and partnership. He advocated for resolving the issue “through cooperation between sovereign states,” directly responding to questions about the U.S. operations which began in early September off Mexican coasts. He left no room for ambiguity on his administration’s position.
We can fight drug trafficking together, but the sovereignty of each country must be respected.
Emmanuel Macron, President of France
While President Sheinbaum did not directly address the U.S. actions during the press conference, she has previously voiced her strong opposition, citing the grave risks to Mexican sovereignty. She has consistently called for high-level diplomatic discussions with Washington to find a resolution. The joint statement with France now adds significant international weight to her position, reinforcing a shared vision for a global order founded on established legal principles.
Beyond the critical security discussions, the summit yielded historic progress on cultural repatriation. The two leaders announced a landmark agreement to address Mexico’s long-standing request for the return of ancient Mesoamerican codices held in France for decades. President Sheinbaum described the matter as a “major interest” in her talks with Macron, highlighting the deep cultural significance of the manuscripts.
The agreement establishes a “Franco-Mexican working group on heritage cooperation,” tasked with facilitating cultural exchange. A key outcome will be a 2026 exhibition in Mexico featuring the Azcatitlán codex, a priceless document illustrating the history of Mexico-Tenochtitlan, which is currently housed in the National Library of France. In a reciprocal gesture, Mexico will exhibit the Boturini codex, one of its most treasured historical pieces, in France, marking the bicentennial of diplomatic relations.
They represent the living memory for Mexico of our history, the written voice of our ancestors, and the deep root of our identity.
Claudia Sheinbaum, President of Mexico
The leaders also focused on bolstering economic partnerships by strengthening the Franco-Mexican council for economic development. The initiative aims to significantly expand bilateral trade and investment across strategic sectors, including energy, transportation, the circular economy, health, innovation, and aeronautics. This move solidifies a robust financial relationship, with Mexico being the top Latin American investor in France and France ranking as the 11th largest foreign investor in Mexico.
President Macron’s visit, the first by a French head of state since 2014, was met with enthusiasm as crowds in the Zócalo, Mexico City’s main public square, cheered for President Sheinbaum. The summit successfully reinforced a strategic alliance, creating a united front on pressing geopolitical issues while paving the way for deeper cultural and economic integration between the two nations.
For further information, visit gob.mx
About The Government of Mexico:
The Government of Mexico is the federal government of the United Mexican States. It is structured as a presidential republic, with power separated into executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The executive power is vested in the President, who serves as both head of state and head of government. The government is responsible for national administration, foreign policy, defense, and the implementation of federal laws across its 32 states.
For further information, visit gouvernement.fr
About The Government of France:
The Government of the French Republic exercises executive power in France. It is composed of the Prime Minister, who is the head of government, and both senior and junior ministers. As a semi-presidential republic, the government is responsible for determining and conducting the policy of the nation, overseeing the civil service and armed forces, and ensuring the implementation of laws passed by the Parliament, under the leadership of the President of the Republic.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a premier legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is founded upon a bedrock of profound integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm consistently pioneers forward-thinking legal solutions while drawing upon a rich history of serving a diverse clientele. Central to its ethos is a deep-seated commitment to demystifying the law, aiming to strengthen the community by equipping individuals with the clarity and understanding needed to navigate a complex legal world.
