Mexico and South Korea agreed to deepen cooperation in science, technology and innovation, with AI, digital government, aerospace and defense identified as priority areas, alongside discussions on energy, investment and trade.
Mexico and South Korea are expanding bilateral cooperation in science, technology and innovation as both countries seek to strengthen economic ties, develop joint capabilities in emerging technologies and deepen industrial links.
The agreement emerged from a meeting in Seoul between Roberto Velasco, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Cho Hyun, South Korea’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, as part of Velasco’s working visit to the country from August 23 to August 25.
The discussions identified AI, digital government, aerospace and defense as priority areas for collaboration. The talks also covered energy, investment and the interests of South Korean companies operating in Mexico.
“Mexico and Korea have identified innovation, AI, digital government and the aerospace sector as priority areas where the opportunity does not lie simply in exchanging knowledge but in creating it jointly,” says Velasco.
The approach places technology cooperation within a broader effort to strengthen the economic relationship between the two countries, which have maintained diplomatic relations since 1962 and established a strategic partnership for mutual prosperity in 2005.
AI and aerospace move higher on bilateral agenda
The South Korean government proposed cooperation around the development of Mexico’s AI ecosystem, digital transformation, space industry and defense sector, according to its Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The discussions come as Mexico continues to identify digitalization and emerging technologies as areas for economic development, while South Korea is seeking to expand international cooperation around its technology and industrial capabilities.
Velasco’s agenda in Seoul also includes a meeting with So Young Kim, Vice President of Foreign Relations of the Advisory Council of KAIST’s Center for Science Diplomacy, as well as a private meeting with Wi Sung-Lac, National Security Adviser to the South Korean president.
The Mexican delegation is also scheduled to meet executives from South Korean companies established in Mexico, including Namkoong Hong, President and CEO of Samsung E&A, and Ko Yunju, President of LG’s Global Strategy Center.
These meetings connect the diplomatic agenda with the business relationship between both countries, particularly in manufacturing, automotive, electronics and technology.
More than 2,000 South Korean companies operate in Mexico, according to Mexican government information. Their presence includes major companies such as Samsung, LG, Kia and Hyundai, which have established production and commercial operations in the country.
Technology cooperation intersects with trade and energy
The talks in Seoul also extended beyond technology. Cho asked Mexico to facilitate imports of Mexican crude oil by South Korean companies as Seoul seeks to diversify energy supplies amid disruptions associated with the conflict in the Middle East.
The South Korean foreign minister also asked Mexico to consider the concerns of South Korean companies as the review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) progresses.
Cho additionally proposed beginning discussions to review the bilateral investment protection agreement, linking the technology agenda to the conditions surrounding trade and investment between the two economies.
South Korea is one of Mexico’s major commercial and investment partners in the Asia-Pacific region. Bilateral trade includes automobiles, machinery, electronics, processed food and minerals, while Mexican manufacturing operations provide South Korean companies with a base for production and access to regional markets.
The relationship is also visible at the state level. In Nuevo León, more than 300 South Korean companies have operations across sectors including automotive and electronics.
The state government has identified advanced manufacturing, supply chains, employment and technology transfer as areas where cooperation with South Korean companies can continue to expand.
Bilateral relationship enters a new stage
The current discussions follow a telephone call between Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and South Korean President Lee Jae-Myung, in which both leaders agreed to deepen bilateral economic cooperation and strengthen trade and investment ties.
Lee also accepted an invitation from Sheinbaum to visit Mexico this year. The date and details of the visit are expected to be established through diplomatic channels.
Velasco says the upcoming presidential visit gives the bilateral relationship a broader horizon as both governments seek to define its next stage.
The secretary also highlighted the cultural relationship between the two countries, pointing to the popularity of K-pop, Korean dramas and Korean cuisine among young Mexicans. South Korea has also provided economic support for the reconstruction of Acapulco following Hurricane Otis in 2023.
The visit takes place as Mexico and South Korea mark 64 years of formal diplomatic relations. Since their diplomatic ties were established on January 26, 1962, cooperation has expanded across trade, investment, education, culture, science and technology.