The world is concerned about energy security, and justifiably so. Headlines trumpet the news of ever higher oil prices and warn of the dangers of global warming. Finding alternative sources of energy to complement existing resources and address these concerns is crucial. Various key actors in the world’s energy markets are already making decisions that will have a major impact on the fortunes of virtually every nation on earth. Our collective economic well-being is at stake.

Mexico shares these concerns. As one of the world´s main oil exporters---and also as a growing importer of oil products and energy technologies---Mexico has a considerable interest in stable energy markets.

It is crucial that energy prices reflect the true cost of bringing new resources to market for the consumers that need them. As a producer, we need to receive fair compensation for our oil reserves; as a consumer, we need to supply our domestic needs at prices that are consistent with economic growth. And like most countries, Mexico is vulnerable to the increasing effects of global warming. At the forefront of our energy strategy, we stress responsible policies that are compatible with sustainable development.

Mexico shares these concerns with many countries, and we know that they cannot be addressed unilaterally.

International energy markets are far more integrated today than in the past century, when the first serious initiatives for energy co-operation appeared. One result of this has been to make it abundantly clear that, at least in energy matters, we are all in the same boat. If we hope to overcome the world´s current energy challenges, we desperately need greater dialogue, consultation, and effective co-operation between producers and consumers.

In an effort to promote closer energy relations and co-operation, Mexico has joined its neighbours to the North and South, as well as its partners in other regions. Mexico has worked to improve energy access and technical capacity in Central America. At the same time, we have participated in the drafting of conventions that allow for the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

Along the way, Mexico has worked to establish efficiency standards, improve the collection of statistical information regarding supply and demand, and develop new energy links for all of North America. Looking forward, we have appealed to our friends and partners throughout the world for greater scientific co-operation. Through bilateral and multilateral dialogue, we seek new and visionary ways to address our own challenges, as well as to help solve those of the international community.

Make no mistake, the struggle we face will be a battle. If we are to win, we must work more closely with international financial institutions, agencies for international co-operation, and other organizations to facilitate the construction of infrastructure in less-developed countries. In many developing nations, the lack of terminals, ports, roads, and other necessary facilities make it virtually impossible to realize the potential for energy co-operation. In short, there is insufficient funding for energy projects throughout the world, and the situation is worst in the regions that need it the most.

Mexico is delighted to participate in the 11th IEF, and we are honored to have been selected as host of the next IEF in 2010. We realize that this is a great responsibility. We accept the challenge, and we undertake it both solemnly and enthusiastically. Mexico is an emerging market with a strategic---if not pivotal---position, placed by fate between the developed and developing economic regions of the world. Our experience helps us to understand the needs of all regions; we believe that Mexico is ideally suited to help build bridges of co-operation between all countries…bridges that the world desperately needs.

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