South Korea and Mexico look to expand cooperation on AI and strategic sectors

South Korea and Mexico are seeking to broaden their bilateral partnership, with artificial intelligence (AI) emerging as one of several areas for closer cooperation. The issue was discussed during a meeting between South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and Mexican Foreign Secretary Roberto Velasco Álvarez in Seoul on 24 August.

The talks took place against a backdrop of wider economic uncertainty affecting supply chains, energy, food security and trade. Cho said stronger institutional foundations for trade and investment would help the two countries expand their economic relationship and called for cooperation in emerging areas including AI, space, education and defence.

AI and technology cooperation

AI was identified as one of the areas where the two countries could develop closer ties. Mexico’s Foreign Ministry said innovation, AI, digital governance and the aerospace sector had been identified as priority areas under efforts to advance the Mexico–South Korea 2026–2030 Plan of Action.

The plan is expected to provide a framework for expanding cooperation beyond existing economic links. During his visit to South Korea, Velasco also met representatives of Korean technology and industrial companies, with discussions covering investment, innovation and advanced sectors.

A stronger role for middle powers

The discussions also addressed the role of countries such as South Korea and Mexico in international affairs. Velasco argued that both countries could contribute to a more inclusive international order that gives greater weight to the perspectives of middle powers.

He pointed to shared principles including democracy, human rights and respect for international law. The two countries also participate in multilateral groupings such as the G20, APEC and MIKTA, which provide additional platforms for cooperation among middle powers.

Broader bilateral agenda

AI formed part of a wider agenda that includes trade, investment, energy security, space and education. The two governments are also preparing for the signing of the Mexico–South Korea 2026–2030 Plan of Action, which is expected to take place when South Korean President Lee Jae Myung visits Mexico following an invitation from President Claudia Sheinbaum.

The meeting therefore places AI within a broader effort to strengthen bilateral relations and develop cooperation in areas considered strategically important to both countries.