Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, reaffirmed this week her long-standing position with Gaza and Palestine as she declined an invitation from US President Donald Trump to join his newly established Board of Peace, while reinforcing Mexico’s economic strategy with Canada and its commitment to key trade agreements.

Speaking at her regular morning press conference, Sheinbaum confirmed that Mexico would not become a member of the Board of Peace, an initiative launched by Trump to oversee reconstruction and stabilisation efforts in Gaza. She explained that Mexico’s decision is rooted in its longstanding recognition of Palestine as a state. In her view, any credible peace effort in the Middle East must include representation from both Israel and Palestine.

Mexico will instead attend the inaugural session as an observer through its ambassador to the United Nations, signaling that it is not withdrawing from dialogue but insisting on inclusive diplomatic frameworks. 

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“The participation of both states, Israel and Palestine, is important. But that is not how it is being set out in the meeting,” Sheinbaum said.

“It’s being proposed that we go [to the meeting] as observers. So, our ambassador to the United Nations will probably go as an observer,” she added.

🔴 México no participará de manera directa en la llamada “Junta de Paz” convocada por Donald Trump, informó la presidenta Claudia Sheinbaum. La decisión se debe a que el proceso no contempla la inclusión de Palestina. No obstante, el país asistirá únicamente en calidad de… pic.twitter.com/rPePeH433C — Azucena Uresti (@azucenau) February 17, 2026

🔴 México no participará de manera directa en la llamada “Junta de Paz” convocada por Donald Trump, informó la presidenta Claudia Sheinbaum.

La decisión se debe a que el proceso no contempla la inclusión de Palestina. No obstante, el país asistirá únicamente en calidad de… pic.twitter.com/rPePeH433C

— Azucena Uresti (@azucenau) February 17, 2026

The White House’s initiative, and Mexico’s decision to stay out of it, come at a time of already heightened tensions between Mexico City and Washington over trade, security cooperation and broader regional policy differences.

The White House’s initiative, and Mexico’s decision to stay out of it, come at a time of already heightened tensions between Mexico City and Washington over trade, security cooperation and broader regional policy differences.

The move also coincides with speculation surrounding the upcoming trilateral review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), after a reporter noted concerns that the United States could potentially withdraw from the agreement and suggested that Mexico may be exploring a “plan B” with Canada.

“More than a plan B, we’re strengthening our relationship with Canada,” She said.

Sheinbaum shifted focus to economic priorities, stressing that Mexico is strengthening ties with Canada ahead of the USMCA review rather than preparing a fallback plan. Officials from both countries are advancing efforts to expand trade, boost bilateral investment and reinforce supply chains. 

“As I’ve said several times, the USMCA will remain. There may be some modifications, but it will remain in place because it is beneficial for the three countries,” Sheinbaum added.

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She maintained that the USMCA remains beneficial and is expected to continue, even if adjustments are discussed. On investment, Sheinbaum highlighted strong foreign direct investment inflows and sustained global interest in Mexico. While acknowledging concerns about bureaucratic delays, she described them as operational challenges and said the government is working to accelerate approval processes and project implementation.

Nuestra presidenta @Claudiashein habla fuerte y claro, sin rodeos. “consideramos que el estado palestino debe ser reconocido . . . igual que el estado de Israel”. Los pueblos palestino y judio tienen todo el derecho a vivir en paz. Sus líderes deben entenderlo y aceptarlo. pic.twitter.com/vCuaNRN6qg — Tomás Pliego (@tomaspliegoc) October 11, 2024

Nuestra presidenta @Claudiashein habla fuerte y claro, sin rodeos.

“consideramos que el estado palestino debe ser reconocido . . . igual que el estado de Israel”.

Los pueblos palestino y judio tienen todo el derecho a vivir en paz. Sus líderes deben entenderlo y aceptarlo. pic.twitter.com/vCuaNRN6qg

— Tomás Pliego (@tomaspliegoc) October 11, 2024

Since taking office, Sheinbaum has made clear that supporting the recognition of a Palestinian state is central to her foreign policy approach. Just days after her inauguration, she called for full recognition of the State of Palestine as essential to achieving lasting peace in the Middle East and condemned ongoing violence, urging greater international engagement through institutions such as the United Nations. She reiterated Mexico’s support for peace and diplomatic resolution as a continuation of Mexico’s historical policy, emphasising that mutual recognition of both Israel and Palestine is necessary for a sustainable solution to conflict.

Sheinbaum’s decisions this week reinforce a foreign policy anchored in Mexico’s clear support for Palestinian statehood and equal representation in any Gaza peace framework, while simultaneously safeguarding the country’s economic interests in North America. By declining full membership in the Board, she aligned Mexico’s diplomatic actions with its recognition of Palestine and longstanding call for a two-state solution, signaling that Mexico will participate in international initiatives only when they reflect its principles on justice, sovereignty and balanced representation.

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