Guest speech: Ambassador of Mexico, H.E. Mr. Alejandro Diaz

At a part of our regular NAFTA discussions (continuing from last May when we hosted the US Amb. McCaw), the IMC Export Department (under the auspices of Chair for Intl. Law and Global Political Studies) invited H.E. Mr. Alejandro DÍAZ, Ambassador of Mexico to Austria and the Permanent Representative to the Vienna-based International Organizations for a guest lecture.

The Ambassador gave a comprehensive view on the socio-economic and political currents of Latin America in general and of Mexico in particular; Investments; Energy policy; NAFTA’s state-of-art; and Mexico’s position in the International FORAs. His statement was followed by long discussions with students and professors, and by a small cocktail reception.

Additionally, Ambassador DÍAZ remarks offered the IMC Export fellows a rare opportunity to gain a first-hand insights into the Mexico’s positions in pan-American, regional and global arena (be it the OAS, NAFTA, MERCOSUR or OUN). By stating a long historical ties with Central Europe and Austria, Ambassador has turned to the trans-Atlantic relations.

Answering the students’ questions, H.E. DÍAZ shared the Mexico’s views on issues like: raising China and India; Oil prizing; Water-stress; Migration (from/to/through Mexico); the US presidential campaign (role of the Hispanic votes); Latin American development and trade; Austro-Mexican economic, political and cultural relations, with the special reference to scientific-educational exchange.

An eloquent senior diplomat, Ambassador DÍAZ has obtained numerous political capacities serving as the Congressman and the Senator of the Mexican Federal Constituency (mostly in the External Affairs Committee). From 2003 to mid 2007, H.E. has been on his first ambassadorial post in Greece. Since September 2007, Ambassador DÍAZ is accredited Ambassador to the Republic of Austria.

Summing up the event with Mr. Ernst Fietz, the EXPORT Program Director, Dr. Max Schachner and Mr. Anis H. Bajrektarevic, Export Chair and principal host of the event, Ambassador Alejandro DÍAZ (accompanied by two senior diplomats; Mr. Héctor Aguilar, Cultural Affairs Specialist and Mr. Rafael Donadío, Director of the Mexican Cultural Institute in Vienna) stated that he has been very impressed by our faculty’s interest in the Euro-Latin American affairs. The Ambassador also complimented the commitment and knowledge of our students as demonstrated in the questions and discussion with him. Finally, the Ambassador and his colleagues expressed the willingness to return to our university soon again, and to discuss exchange programs and research grants for our fellow students and graduates.
For years, Mexico was both a favored PTS destination and thesis work inspiration to many IMC students.

Photos: Hermann Maglock
Text: Prof. Dr. Anis Bajrektarevic