QUEBEC CITY – Mexico has embarked on an “ambitious program” of human rights reforms and the country’s allies must continue to show their support, Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard said Monday after a meeting between himself and the Mexican President.
President Enrique Peña Nieto made a stop in Quebec City to talk trade and the North American economy ahead of his planned official dinner Monday evening with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Toronto.
Couillard said he also “raised the issue” of human rights during his meeting with Nieto.
Amnesty International said 27,000 people have gone missing in Mexico over the past decade during the violent drug wars that have engulfed parts of the country.
Couillard said what Mexico needs is for countries such as Canada to increase “exchanges” with the country.
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“The best way to go forward is not to restrict but to augment trade,” Couillard said.
Peña Nieto defended his country’s plan to tackle corruption and human rights abuses.
“Our government has made an important effort to advance issues related to human rights,” he said in Spanish.
Neither leader provided details on Mexico’s plan to protect human rights.
Quebec and Mexico in 2015 created a joint commission to push for more co-operation between the two jurisdictions on matters related to green energy, information technology, climate change and academia.
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Couillard said corruption and human rights were not chosen as a major theme by the commission.
Peña Nieto is scheduled to attend an official dinner with Trudeau on Monday evening in Toronto.
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