Macron Arrives in Mexico for First French Presidential Visit in 11 Years

Posted by Claudia Sheinbaum on X

French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Mexico City early Friday, marking the first visit by a French head of state in more than a decade. Landing at Military Air Base No. 19, Macron was greeted by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Foreign Minister Juan Ramón de la Fuente before being escorted to the National Palace for bilateral talks.

The visit reflects a wide-ranging agenda aimed at strengthening political, economic, and cultural ties. Both governments confirmed the relaunch of the Franco-Mexican Strategic Council, a high-level mechanism first established in 2013 to deepen cooperation in strategic sectors including aerospace, energy, scientific research, education, and technology. France already counts more than 700 companies operating in Mexico, and Paris is positioning itself as a leading European investor in the region

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One of the most symbolic announcements was the agreement to exchange or loan key pre-Hispanic codices to commemorate 200 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations. Mexico has formally requested the temporary return of the Códice Azcatitlán, which chronicles the Mexica migration, the founding of Tenochtitlán, and the fall of the Aztec Empire. The manuscript has been held in the French National Library since 1898. In return, France expressed interest in exhibiting the Códice Boturini—also known as the Tira de la Peregrinación—which is preserved in Mexico. The cultural exchange is an important gesture in Mexico’s broader effort to recover key pieces of its historical heritage.

The leaders also discussed the upcoming modernization of the Mexico–EU Free Trade Agreement, expected in February 2026, which will extend cooperation into digital commerce, transportation, finance, and service sectors. Both sides emphasized the importance of diversifying economic partnerships amid global supply chain shifts.

Macron’s visit comes just days before the EU–CELAC summit in Colombia. Several major European leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and German Chancellor Merz, have opted not to attend to avoid provoking Washington as President Trump weighs the scope of the U.S. military mission in the Caribbean. In that context, Macron’s decision to proceed with his Mexico visit signals France’s intent to play a more assertive role in Latin America—even as the broader EU recalibrates its regional engagement.

Further announcements are expected later today following additional bilateral meetings.