The Royal Canadian Mint has struck a commemorative silver medallion marking Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto’s official state visit and celebrating Canada and Mexico’s longstanding ties as North American neighbours.
The medallion was unveiled today by President Peña Nieto; Mexico’s Secretary of Foreign Affairs Claudia Ruiz Massieu; Canadian Finance Minister Bill Morneau; and Sandra Hanington, Mint president and CEO.
“For more than 70 years, Canada and Mexico’s multi-faceted relationship has been characterized by deep people-to-people ties, rich cultural connections and growing trade and investment, whose importance has been fittingly recognized through an expertly crafted Royal Canadian medallion,” said Morneau. “As we continue to nurture our common bonds as North Americans, the Government of Canada looks forward to celebrating even more milestones in the Canada-Mexico partnership in the future.”
The Mint’s 99.99 per cent fine silver commemorative medallion, of which only 200 have been struck, illustrates the theme of people being brought together by the common good of co-operation and an open embrace of cultural respect. Designed by Canadian artist Andrew Lewis of London, Ont., and painted in vibrant colour, the medallion features the renowned symbols of the flags of Mexico (the eagle) and Canada (the maple leaf).
“As the sharing of technology and innovation between Casa de Moneda de México and the Royal Canadian Mint continues to grow, the Mint is keenly aware of the mutual benefits of engaging with our Mexican counterparts,” said Hanington. “We are proud to have created a commemorative medallion which symbolizes the many common bonds between Canada and Mexico which are paving the way for future cooperation.”
The Mint’s long and proud history with Casa de Moneda de México is one of many examples of Canada’s deep relationship with Mexico. Together, these mints have partnered for export success and have maintained ongoing technical exchanges resulting in continuous innovation for both institutions and a strong commercial relationship.