By Cristina Sánchez Reyes
Mexico City (EFE).- During French President Emmanuel Macron’s official visit to Mexico on Friday, the temporary exhibition of the Azcatitlán and Bouterini centuries-old manuscripts (códices in Spanish) symbolized a new stage in the relationship between the two countries.
During the meeting, the two governments announced plans to comprehensively relaunch diplomatic, cultural, and economic relations in anticipation of the 2026 bicentennial commemoration of their bilateral relationship.
From the National Palace, President Claudia Sheinbaum stressed that the exchange of pre-Hispanic manuscripts has historical and moral significance that transcends typical cultural cooperation. She said it embodies the depth of a relationship that dialogues from a position of equality.
“The acceptance of reciprocal and simultaneous temporary transfers so that the Azcatitlán codex can be exhibited in Mexico and the Bouterini codex in France is significant. These centuries-old manuscripts are fundamental to the relationship between Europe and Mexico,” the president affirmed.
Sheinbaum evoked the identity value of the documents, created during the early colonial period by the Nahua peoples and recounting the migration of the Mexica and the founding of Tenochtitlan.
“They represent a living memory of our history for Mexico, the written voice of our ancestors, and the deep roots of our identity,” she said.
The Mexican leader emphasized the historical vindication represented by this gesture from the French government, stating that the documents are not only “testimony of a remote past,” but also an expression of the people.
“Through this gesture, we reaffirm to the world that there can be no shared prosperity without recognizing history,” she said.
The president highlighted that the temporary transfer of the manuscripts is an act of symbolic justice.
“Each codex, each mark, and each symbol reminds us that we are heirs to a civilization or civilizations that flourished long before Western modernity, and that today we engage in dialogue with it on terms of equality and respect,” she said.
Sheinbaum had previously indicated that she would request the definitive return of the Azcatitlán Codex as part of Mexico’s cultural heritage recovery policy; however, it does not appear she has achieved this, as the codex will return to France after its exhibition in 2026.
Strategic alliance
Macron asserted that this diplomatic and cultural gesture demonstrates a tradition of intellectual and political affinity between the two countries.
After mentioning difficult moments in their countries’ history and Victor Hugo’s stance against French intervention, Macron remarked, “France loves Mexico,” and said that as they head towards celebrating 200 years of relations, both countries are beginning “a new chapter in our strategic alliance.”
Beyond the cultural aspect, Macron proposed relaunching the bilateral relationship, focusing on a geopolitical and economic scope.
“The consolidation of our strategic alliance requires an impulse that we want to give to our economic cooperation. The 700 French companies already operating in Mexico generate 180,000 direct jobs and 700,000 indirect jobs within the country, and I hope these numbers will grow even more in the future,” he stated.
Macron noted that French companies will continue to invest in priority sectors of the Mexico Plan, such as energy, transportation, the circular economy, the just transition, health, and innovation.
He also highlighted the reactivation of the Franco-Mexican Strategic Council, which will increase economic exchanges. In 2024 alone, these exchanges reached 6.8 billion euros.
“I believe the potential for synergy is great, and we are committed to strengthening the relationship between Mexico, France, and the European Union,” he said.
Sheinbaum linked the alliance to shared values. She assured that Mexico and France are “united by the challenges of the contemporary world, the defense of the environment, gender equality, scientific and technological cooperation, the promotion of human rights, and the idea that culture can serve as a bridge between our peoples.” EFE
csr/dgp
