“Travelling to Iran as tourist, student, or businessman can be your best experience”,Says Mexican charge d’affaires

The Mexican Embassy in Tehran first opened in 1946.It kept working till 1979 when it was closed temporarily. However, diplomatic relations between the two countries continued. Despite the closure of the Mexican Embassy, Iranian ambassador to Mexico was retained as charge d’affaires in Mexico City. In June 1990, Mexico appointed another ambassador to Iran. The Mexican government reopened its Embassy in Tehran in 1992, opening a new chapter in bilateral relations and mutual cooperation. Following Mexico’s presidential election in January 2012, Mexico’s diplomatic apparatus underwent some changes. Currently, Martin Torres represents Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affaires until the arrival of the new Mexican ambassador to Iran.

An interview with Mexican charge d’affaires in Iran Martin Torres

Interview by Mohammadreza Nazari

When did you come to Iran Mr. Torres?

Last year. I came to Iran just before the anniversary of my country’s Independence Day on April 15^th and in the mid–Shahrivar, 1391.

You are here now as the Mexican charge d’affaires in Iran. Why don’t the two countries have bilateral relations in ambassadorial level at present?

The Mexican ambassador to Iran was sent on a mission to Guatemala last year and now, till the arrival of the next ambassador, I am in charge of the Mexican diplomatic apparatus in Iran.

Of course, that is because of the administration change and the changes made in the diplomatic missions back in Mexico. The current Mexican administration took office last year and diplomats are being appointed and reappointed here and there and as you know, this process takes time and Iran is no exception. But all in all, it is likely that the new Mexican ambassador comes to Iran before the end of the current year.

Why aren’t you promoted from charge d’affaire to the Mexican ambassador to Iran? 

My mission is to fill the gap between the former and the future Mexican ambassador to Iran and as soon as the next one comes to Tehran, I will no longer be here.

In What countries have you been to before coming to Iran?

I was the second secretary for the Mexican Diplomatic Academy. I was also in Czech Republic for four years and from 1990 to 1992 I was the press deputy of the Spanish consulate in Los Angeles. From 1995 to 2003 I was the Mexican consul in the U.S.A. And from 1985 to 1989, for three years, I served in Guatemala.

You have been to U.S for many years and now you are here in Tehran. What do you think about the phone call between President Obama and President Rouhani? How do you evaluate this?      

Well, this was a great achievement which was unprecedented. Mr. Rouhani’s visit to New York was a fruitful one which was well-arranged and well-managed.

It was a well-planned visit indeed. When I was in the United States, I was in charge of media in the Mexican embassy in the US to be precise and I am well aware of the world of American media. Managing this visit in its entirety and arranging all those meetings were very tough to do. I consider this phone call as a result of this good management. All in all, I consider Mr. Rouhani’s visit to the US very positive.

Mexico is neighbor to the U.S.A. Does a change in Iran-US relations affect Iran-Mexico relations?

These are two separate routes. Regardless of our and your relations with the United States, Iran and Mexico have had their own way from the past to the present. Of course, the more dynamic Iran’s relations with the whole world are, the more fruitful Iran-Mexico relations will certainly become. For instance, currently, Iranian and Mexican businessmen want to have close cooperation with one another but they are faced with the sanctions imposed on Iran. If the sanctions are lifted, Iran and Mexico can promote their bilateral trade relations.

You mentioned Iran-Mexico economic relations. What is the current status of these relations?

The bilateral economic relations of the two countries are at a very low level. In 2010, the whole trade balance was $6.3m which soared to $9.3 million in 2011. However, in 2012 it skyrocketed to $133m because of a purchase Iran made including fertilizers and nitrogenous chemicals worth $127m.

What are Mexican exports to Iran?

The Mexican major exports to Iran include cars and car parts. The largest automotive industries from Japan, France, and the United States have car factories in Mexico. Iran and Mexico are both active in automotive industry and this can be considered as one of the potentials these two countries share.

Do the large automotive industries in Mexico really manufacture cars or just assemble car parts?

At first, these factories were set up to assemble cars but Mexico is in the midst of a transition and has gradually developed and used its own creativity in the field. For example, Hewlett-Packard (HP) set up a factory in Mexico to assemble parts. However, the most innovative products of HP are currently manufactured in the same factory in Mexico.

What capacities do Iran and Mexico have for closer cooperation in the field of oil and petrochemicals?        

Since Iran and Mexico are both crude producers, they both have a great capacity for cooperation. However, Mexico is now undertaking some reforms in its energy production and policy. Mexico, just like Iran, nationalized its oil industry in 1938 and since then, oil industry is totally in the hands of the government, from extraction to sell. And of course, Mexican people are proud of the achievement. However, it should be noted that Mexico’s largest known oil reservoirs are located deep into the sea and our country doesn’t have the technology required to extract oil from them. The private sector’s cooperation with Mexican oil and energy industries is the main reason for the aforementioned reforms.

The United States has the necessary technology for extracting oil from such reservoirs. Why doesn’t it invest in Mexico’s oil and petrochemical industry?

American and British companies cannot come to Mexico because new plans are being considered in Mexico. Of course, private companies are allowed in if Mexico’s control on its oil can be maintained.

Iran’s oil and petrochemical industry is national and independent, however, we see foreign investments in Iran. Why don’t you follow Iran’s example?

Reform in Mexico’s oil industry is an enthusiastic issue which is currently being discussed. I agree with you. Of course, how to carry out these reforms is presently under political discussion.

Why doesn’t Mexico invest in Iran’s oil industry?

In my opinion, the first step must be taken in Mexico and reforms must be introduced in Mexican companies. Next, a new mentality will be formed in Mexico which certainly leads to the exchange of experience and technology.

So, you are saying that great reforms are being undertaken in Mexico.

The new Mexican President is committed to carry out significant reforms in some areas including education, energy, communication and taxation. He is committed to undertake these reforms which Mexico has been longing for during all these years. These reforms must be implemented so that Mexico can continue its way in the new century.

Mexico now has a population of 150 million majority of which are youths like in the case of Iran. One million Mexicans join the country’s labor market every year. Under these circumstances, in order to provide one million people with jobs, you need to attain a 5 to 6 per cent economic growth each year. These reforms will be necessary if we intend to grow with such rates.

 What was Mexico’s economic growth rate last year?

Mexico’s economic growth rate reached 28 percent last year.

 What about the unemployment rate?

Mexico has a low rate of unemployment but it has a large and informal economy too. The formal unemployment rate is around 5 percent but about 40 per cent of Mexicans live in an informal economy; that is, selling food in streets which means that they don’t pay taxes, don’t have social security, and don’t enjoy health care. In fact, this is an unreal economy and they just live their lives.

Continued economic problems for these people may lead to social protests like the ones we saw in Brazil. Do you have any concern about this?

Well, it does not necessarily mean that everybody who works in an informal economy lives in a bad condition. It doesn’t concern us, since economy finds its way. Of course, Mexico’s political atmosphere is very positive and there are only some minor groups who aren’t satisfied with these reforms.

From what you said about the reforms one can infer that reforms are being carried out in order to organize these people and to prevent social unrest.

Reforms will shake the social and economic body of the country. They implement the suspended changes. In fact, in introducing these reforms, we don’t stick to current issues just to prevent protests. Actually, we have Mexico’s future generations in mind. For instance, I can point to the reforms adopted in communications. Currently, television and cell phones are in the monopoly of a few people. After implementing the reforms, these communication facilities will be distributed well and fair. You should bear in mind that we think about Mexico’s next three decades.

These reforms are meant to fight against current mafia in Mexico. However, the accumulation of facilities and resources in the hands of a tiny few has led to the formation of a strong mafia which doesn’t give these facilities and resources up to the government very easily.

I agree with you in another way. These reforms target huge amounts of interests. For example, to name one figure, I can mention Carlos Slim who has complete control over Mexico’s communications. Naturally, these reforms target some interests.

You know that these groups who have economic rent and power do not give up easily. Don’t you think that implementing these reforms might lead to conflicts in Mexico?

Currently, there are complaints. Pemex Oil Company has to be privatized but political leaders are against the trend because they lose it through reforms and interests of many people will be endangered. Another example is that during the past few years, tax reforms have been postponed. These reforms are not meant to harm them but in order to open these resources to people, these reforms have to be carried out even if they harm them. We don’t intend to make enemies but will presumably leave some people unsatisfied.

There exists extensive drug trafficking in Mexico and naturally, we are seeing a great turnover in this business. What measures have you taken so far to fight these mafia groups?      

 We are not talking about a single mafia group. We are dealing with several mafia groups. Well, this issue provides Iran and Mexico with an opportunity for further cooperation since Iran is neighbor to  the biggest drug producer in the world [Afghanistan] and Mexico too is neighbor to the biggest country in drug abuse [the United States]. In fact, drugs are transferred through Mexico to the hands of addicts in the United States. That’s why a mafia has been formed.

Do you mean that drugs are not produced in Mexico at all?

Only some marijuana is produced in Mexico but cocaine and heroin and other drugs are not produced in Mexico. These drugs are transited to the US through Mexico by smugglers.

Has erecting a border buffer between Mexico and the United States been effective in controlling drug trafficking?

The common border is 2000 km long and it’s impossible to block drug trafficking completely.   

What kinds of cooperation may Iran and Mexico have in fighting drug trafficking?

The first and foremost issue is the exchange of experience. We can learn methods from each other.

We always see that some mutual cooperation in fighting drug trafficking remain on paper. What methods do you mean exactly?

It’s very complicated and I am not the right person to explain this process. But the thing I know is that this process is very complicated. In fact, it requires a constant procedure to secure effective international cooperation. Drug cartels are rich in such a way that they can buy weapons the army itself doesn’t have.  

In what fields, international cooperation between Iran and Mexico can be redefined?

Apart from fighting drug trafficking, we have lots of commonalities including cultural commonalities between Iran and Mexico.

Iran and Mexico both have rich and big civilizations and no other country, except India and China, can make such a claim.

Iranian and Mexican people have reflected their character in their clothes, food, art, and costumes. We can consider these commonalities and learn from each other.

The Mexican Embassy in Iran tries to have extensive activities. In doing so, it initiated a program called ‘Cultural Dialogue’ which includes music, poetry-reading, plays from both countries. In science, Iran has also made great progress in technology and I think that the two countries can have close cooperation in technology, as well.

What fields of technology do you mean exactly?

The highly advanced nanotechnology that exists in Iran; Iran has progressed well in aerospace technology and general medicine. Iran and Mexico can have good cooperation with one another in these fields.

Two months ago, you hosted a session in which some poems including Hafiz’s poems were read. Why did you choose Hafiz? How much do you know Hafez?        

Not much. I have visited his tomb in Shiraz and I have read his poems in Spanish and mostly in English. I experienced the most memorable moments of my life when I was beside his tomb. I saw the people’s enthusiasm in that place. I have been invited for a second time to Shiraz in celebration of Hafiz’s birthday and I’m very happy for that.

In the session we read Hafiz, we also read Octavio Paz, Mexico’s greatest poet and the winner of the Nobel Prize in literature alongside Hafiz and listening to Iranian music. Both of these poets are timeless poets. Of course, Hafiz is one of the greatest Iranian figures who represent the Iranians.

What other cities have you visited so far, apart from Shiraz?

I have traveled extensively in the world and only three cities impressed me greatly. Isfahan is one of these three.

Why Isfahan impressed you so much?

Isfahan’s attractions including bazaar, the main square, city bridge and even its people impressed me a lot. I enjoyed whatever I saw in this city.

What other cities of Iran have been to?

I have visited Hamadan, Qom, and Karaj. I also like to travel to Tabriz in future.

Our Northern Provinces enjoys luxuriant vegetation which resembles Mexico. Have you been to these cities?

No, I haven’t travelled to these cities yet.

The former Bosnian ambassador to Iran believed that when you are in Tehran you can go to Tochal  to ski and in the afternoon you can swim in Tehran. How much have you benefited from this climate in Tehran?

I wish I had more time. Currently, I spend most of my time in my office and in interacting with people. That’s why less time remains for me and for my family.

What image did you have about Iran before coming to Tehran?

I knew that Iran has a rich civilization but I had a blurred view of Iran. Somebody had even told me that women are not allowed to drive in Iran but when I came here I saw that this is not true.

If a person from Mexico or a Latin American country reads your interview and wants your description of Iran, what picture of Iran will you draw for him?

I tell him that it’s very important to travel to Iran and enjoy his stay there. There are lots of things to be discovered in Iran. Travel to Iran as a tourist, a student, or a businessman can be your best experience.

How much do you feel secure in Iran?

Iran is a very secure place. I have a dog and every night I walk him at 11 pm and I haven’t felt insecure so far. Unfortunately, some people who are abroad mistake Iran for other Middle Eastern countries and think Iran is like Afghanistan. Of course, there are some minute problems you will remain unaware of if you don’t travel to Iran.

To what extent has Iran’s Spanish channel affected Latin American countries?

This channel presents a whole different image of Iran. It has also changed our view towards world news.