Mexican Secretary of Energy Pedro Joaquín Coldwell on Monday presented International Energy Agency (IEA) Executive Director Fatih Birol with an official letter declaring Mexico’s interest in becoming an IEA member.
Mexico’s interest in joining the agency was welcomed by the IEA chief.
Fatih Birol said: “This presents an excellent opportunity for the IEA to strengthen its ties with Mexico, and opens the door to greater engagement across Latin America. It is a key step towards our objective of building a truly global international energy organisation.”
According to IEA, Secretary Joaquín Coldwell is in Paris this week to take part in the 2015 IEA Ministerial meeting. The two-day meeting brings together the 29 IEA member countries as well as partner countries with which the IEA works closely, including Brazil, Chile, China, India, Indonesia, Morocco, South Africa and Thailand.
Mexico is the second-largest economy in Latin America and the third-largest oil producer in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and an importer of refined petroleum products.
Commenting the reforms taking place in Mexico’s energy sector, Birol said: “Mexico has made remarkable progress in transforming its energy sector into a market-oriented one that is based on the principles reflected in the IEA Shared Goals.”
Once the IEA Governing Board has approved the formal request, the IEA will work with Mexico on the steps required to meet the conditions for IEA membership.