Germany, Mexico deepen cooperation to tackle organised crime, drug trafficking

Germany and Mexico have agreed to strengthen cooperation in the fight against organised crime, including transnational drug cartels, following consultations of the German-Mexican bilateral commission in Mexico City.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said the rising consumption of illegal drugs in Germany and across Europe has become a major concern, underlining the need for closer collaboration with Latin American partners, Caliber.Az reports per German media.

“The significant rise in drug use in Germany and across Europe is a cause of great concern to us. That is why we must work together very closely on this,” said Wadephul, who chaired the meeting with his Mexican counterpart Roberto Velasco.

He warned that Europe is facing a growing influx of narcotics from the region.

“We are seeing Europe being virtually inundated by a wave of drugs originating from this region – not only from Mexico, but also from other Central and South American countries,” Wadephul told journalists on June 5 on the sidelines of a visit to mark the 60th anniversary of Germany's Goethe Institute cultural centre in the Mexican capital.

Wadephul said he would raise the issue with German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, adding that one of the key outcomes of his visit was an increased commitment to closer security cooperation.

“One of the most important outcomes of his visit to Mexico was “not only the interest, but also the will to work very closely together from now on”.”

He said combating organised crime had become a top priority, noting that cartel networks operate across continents and facilitate large-scale drug flows into Europe.

Wadephul had said that the fight against organised crime was at the top of the agenda for cooperation.

The bilateral commission, which had not met for seven years, also discussed broader areas of cooperation including sustainable development, water management, and the transition to green energy.

Mexican official Roberto Velasco said bilateral relations are among the strongest between Europe and Latin America.

Velasco said that relations between Mexico and Germany “are among the strongest and most diverse between Europe and Latin America.” Within the framework of the commission, initiatives on sustainable development such as water management and the transition to green energy were discussed.

Mexico, Latin America’s second-largest economy with a population of around 130 million, remains a key economic partner for Germany, particularly due to its integration into North American supply chains.

By Sabina Mammadli