The first known interactions between the Portuguese and the Mexicans occurred between 1519 and 1521, during the period in which Fernando Cortês may have settled in the land of the Aztecs. Diplomatic relations between Portugal and Mexico began a few centuries later, when in 1864 Francisco Facio, Ambassador of Mexico residing in Madrid, presented his credentials in Lisbon. The reciprocal act occurred on July 19, 1865, by the Viscount of Sotto Mayor, then Resident Minister in Denmark.
The strengthening of political and trade relations between Portugal and Mexico has been significant in recent years. The bond and friendship between the two countries are deep, fostered within the Ibero-American community. The visit of His Excellency the President of the Mexican United States, Enrique Peña Nieto, to Lisbon on June 5th and 6th, during which these commemorative stamps will be issued, shall be the milestone of a new phase in this relationship, aiming to amper the political cooperation and to promote bilateral trade and investment.
The commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the beginning of official diplomatic relations in 2014 express, in this context, the symbol of a common commitment on rising the bilateral relationship to a new strategic level, culminating upon the scheduled State Visit of His Excellency the President of the Portuguese Republic to Mexico, next December.
