The Mexican embassy in Doha inaugurated an archival photography exhibition, titled “50 Years of Diplomatic Relations: Mexico and Qatar,” at the Fire Station: Artists in Residence, spotlighting a visual narrative of the deepening ties between the two nations.

The exhibition, organised in collaboration with Fire Station, offers visitors an opportunity to walk down memory lane of Mexico and Qatar’s pivotal political moments, high-level meetings, and instances of shared participation on global platforms.

A key highlight of the exhibition is the presentation of never-before-seen material drawn from the diplomatic archives of both countries’ ministries of foreign affairs, providing an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at the evolution of their ties since their establishment in 1975.

The opening ceremony was attended by Jassim al-Asmakh, director of the American Affairs Department at Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Khalifa al-Obaidly, director of Fire Station and managing director of Tasweer Photo Festival Qatar, among other Qatari authorities and members of the diplomatic corps.

Speaking at the event, Mexican ambassador Guillermo Ordorica Robles said: “Looking back in time is always a meaningful way to understand the events that shape our lives today. With this in mind, we are certain that presenting a photography exhibition is a fitting way to reflect on our common journey”.

He emphasised that the exhibition would confirm the extensive achievements of Mexico and Qatar as partners and friends in a constantly shifting world. He also shed light on the often unseen work of diplomacy, explaining that beyond the spotlight of major visits and high-level summits, it is built incrementally through tireless effort and mutual trust.

From formal meetings and joint declarations to gestures of solidarity during times of need, the envoy said: “Every encounter, no matter how small, has contributed to the deep and dynamic relationship we see today”.

He traced the relationship’s growth from a “diplomatic formality” in 1975 to robust ties now spanning politics, culture, education, and co-operation on global platforms. He said major Qatari events such as the Doha Forum 2021, the FIFA World Cup 2022, and Expo 2023 Doha were cited as crucial opportunities for Mexico to engage, collaborate, and strengthen its diplomatic and cultural ties with Qatar.

Robles also cited the vital role played by both the Mexican embassy in Doha and the Qatari embassy in Mexico City in nurturing this relationship through “regular consultations, shared initiatives, and the ability to adapt to an ever-changing global context”.

Reflecting on the broader meaning of the exhibition, he said: “As we look at these images, we are reminded that diplomacy is not just about ceremonies or handshakes. It is about commitment, consistency, and vision”.

He characterised the captured images as embodying “the steady rhythm of diplomatic life,” shaped by “continuity, shared purpose, and the long view”.

According to the envoy, the exhibition serves a dual purpose: celebrating accomplishments and reminding viewers of the potential that arises when countries work together with purpose and respect.

The embassy also presented a special recognition to Chef Sergio Alfredo González Estrada, a long-standing member of the Mexican community in Qatar, citing his significant contributions to the promotion of Mexican culture and gastronomy abroad.

The Mexica embassy thanked the Fire Station for its invaluable collaboration and support in bringing this significant exhibition to fruition. It is open to the public at Fire Station’s Main Hall until July 31.