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Mexico-Netherlands relations refers to the diplomatic relations between Mexico and the Netherlands. Both nations are members of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
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History
The Netherlands was the second European country to recognize Mexico soon after gaining independence from Spain in 1821. Both nations established diplomatic relations in 1827 when a Treaty of Friendship and Commerce was signed between them. Soon afterwards, a Mexican representative office was opened in The Hague. Between 1864 - 1878, diplomatic relations were suspended by Mexican President Benito Juárez after the Dutch government recognized the government of Emperor Maximilian I in Mexico by French occupational forces of Emperor Napoleon III. This period was known as the Second Mexican Empire.
In 1940, the Mexican legation in The Hague was closed as a result of the Second World War and was re-opened in 1946. In May 1954, both nations elevated their diplomatic representations to embassies, respectively. In 1964, Dutch Queen Juliana paid an official visit to Mexico, becoming the first Dutch monarch to visit the country. In November 2009, Queen Beatrix also paid an official visit to Mexico. In 2008, both nations celebrated 180 years of friendship.
State visits
Presidential visits from Mexico to the Netherlands
Royal and Prime Ministerial visits from the Netherlands to Mexico
Trade relations
In 1997, Mexico signed a Free Trade Agreement with the European Union (which includes the Netherlands). In 2014, total trade between the two nations amounted to $5.9 billion USD.The Netherlands is Mexico's fourth largest trading partner within the European Union and represents 8.6% of total trade. There are currently over 1,700 Dutch companies operating within Mexico and between the years 2000 - 2011, Dutch companies have invested over $38 billion USD in Mexico. Mexico's main export products to the Netherlands include: cell phones, crude oil and other electronic products such as televisions and computers. Dutch export products to Mexico include: steel, industrial machinery, seeds and dairy based products.