Mexico has embarked on a new era of cultural diplomacy with Spain and France, aiming to mend and enhance diplomatic relations that had been strained in previous years. Under the leadership of President Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico has leveraged cultural exchanges and the sharing of historic artifacts to foster goodwill and cooperation with these European nations.
Relations with Spain had notably cooled during the administration of former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, largely due to his demands for Spain to acknowledge historical wrongs committed during the conquest of Mexico. However, the approach has shifted under President Sheinbaum, with cultural initiatives paving the way for improved diplomatic engagement. Noteworthy efforts include Spain’s recognition of Mexican photographer Graciela Iturbide and the National Museum of Anthropology, alongside Mexico’s loan of over 400 pre-Hispanic artifacts for exhibitions in Madrid.
Similarly, Mexico’s ties with France have seen a resurgence following earlier tensions, such as those linked to the Florence Cassez affair during the presidencies of Felipe Calderón and Nicolas Sarkozy. Both President Sheinbaum and French President Emmanuel Macron have prioritized cultural cooperation as a means to strengthen bilateral relations. As part of these efforts, France has recently loaned the Azcatitlan Codex to Mexico in celebration of the 200th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. This significant manuscript, detailing the history and migration of pre-Hispanic peoples, will be exhibited at Mexico’s National Museum of Anthropology and History.
These cultural initiatives underscore Mexico’s commitment to using soft power to rebuild and enhance international relationships. By focusing on shared cultural heritage and exchanges, Mexico is not only working to heal past diplomatic rifts but also to establish a more collaborative future with Spain and France.