Mexico and France began a new chapter on their bilateral relationship, having presidents Enrique Peña Nieto and Francois Hollande offering the alternative of dialogue in order to face the problems of today and consolidate a strategic relationship between both nations.

To this end, the governments of Mexico and France signed 42 agreements on public security, energy, health, sustainable development, superior education, territorial cooperation, aeronautics and finance.

While receiving his French colleague in the Campo Marte, president Peña Nieto said that the meeting held yesterday was critical because “facing the world, we relaunched our relationship, to make it closer, stronger and with better benefits to our societies”.

President Hollande, on a state visit, said that Mexico and France had “harsh moments, but it is always like that between great nations”. He added that the challenges to be faced together are the economic development, social justice, planet protection and solidarity toward our compatriots.

The French president was received by Peña Nieto in the Campo Marte with all the honors. After the ceremony, they went to the presidential residence of Los Pino, to have a private meeting, and then meet again with all their entourages.

Later, in a press conference, Peña informed that he presented the Medal of the Mexican Order of the Aztec Eagle to Hollande and he gave him in return the Great Cross of the National Order of the Legion of Honor.