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Guatemala-Mexico relations refers to the historical and current bilateral relationship between Guatemala and Mexico. Both nations are members of the Association of Caribbean States, Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, Organization of American States, Organization of Ibero-American States and the United Nations.
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History
Guatemala and Mexico are two neighboring countries who share a common cultural history from the Maya civilization and both nations were colonized by the Spanish empire. In 1821, Mexico gained independence from Spain and administered Guatemala (and most of Central America) during the First Mexican Empire. In 1823, the empire collapsed and Guatemala joined the United Provinces of Central America, however, the Guatemalan region of Chiapas choose to separate from Guatemala and joined Mexico as a state. In 1838 the union dissolved and Guatemala became an independent nation. Both nations established diplomatic relations in 1838 and diplomatic missions were soon opened. In 1926 both nations resident diplomatic missions were elevated to embassies.
In 1954, reformist Guatemalan President Jacobo Árbenz was ousted in an American backed coup d'état and replaced by a military junta; because of his disputes and opposition against the United Fruit Company. This incident was known as the 1954 Guatemalan coup d'état. After resigning from the presidency, Árbenz and his family and several other political allies; were allowed to seek asylum in the Mexican embassy. After several weeks in the embassy, Árbenz, his family and political followers were allowed to leave the country for Mexico where he died in 1971.
In December 1958, both nations were very close to declaring war on each other after an incident involving the Guatemalan navy firing upon Mexican fishing boats off the coast of Guatemala and killing three fisherman and wounding fourteen others. Soon after the attack diplomatic relations were severed and troops were mobilized to the border on both sides and Mexican fighter planes entered Guatemalan airspace to attack the country's main international airport, however, just before the attack was to take place, newly elected Mexican President Adolfo López Mateos called off the attack. In September 1959, with the mediation of Brazil and Chile; diplomatic relations between Guatemala and Mexico were re-established. This incident was known as the Mexico–Guatemala conflict.
From 1960-1996, Guatemala became engaged in a civil war. During this time period, Mexico became home to approximately 80,000 Guatemalan refugees and asylum seekers, most of them of indigenous decent. Since the end of the civil war, relations between both nations have greatly improved and both nations work together to combat human trafficking, organized crime and narcotics.
Migration
Each year, thousands of Guatemalan migrants enter Mexico through its unsecured border and mainly transit through the country on their way to the United States. Many leave their country for better opportunities in the United States and Mexico and to escape rampant violence in Guatemala. In 2013, Mexico apprehended and deported over 30,000 Guatemalan nationals back to their country. In 2010, there were registered 35,322 legal residents from Guatemala living in Mexico. There are also several thousand Guatemalan citizens who cross the border on a daily basis to work in Mexico and return to Guatemala at the end of the day.
Governments of both nations have pledged to increase and improve consular affairs for Guatemalan nationals transiting through Mexico and for improved protection and respect of rights for the migrants in Mexico and to combat Mexican drug cartels operating in Guatemala.
State visits
Presidential visits from Guatemala to Mexico
Presidential visits from Mexico to Guatemala
Trade relations
In 2001, Guatemala and Mexico signed a free trade agreement (along with El Salvador and Honduras) known as the Mexico-Northern Triangle Free Trade Agreement. In January 2013, this free trade pact expanded to include Costa Rica and Nicaragua. Total trade between Guatemala and Mexico in 2014 amounted to US$2.2 billion. Guatemala is ranked as the seventh-biggest recipient of Mexican investments. Over the years, several multi-national Mexican companies have based themselves in the country and invested over US$2,600 billion.
Guatemala's exports to Mexico include edible fats and oil, rubber, textiles, paper and boards, vinegar, prepared meat and seafood. Mexico's exports to Guatemala include plastic material, machinery, mechanical appliances, iron, steel, perfume and cosmetics.