The Mexican Ambassador presents a book on the history of the Mexican people at St Petersburg University

The event is part of the policy of strengthening cultural and educational ties between the countries and follows the previous meeting between Rector of St Petersburg University Nikolay Kropachev and the Ambassador of Mexico to the Russian Federation. During the last visit, the parties agreed to foster more active interaction. The diplomat was invited to visit St Petersburg University more frequently and deliver regular lectures to students on the political situation in Mexico, its history, culture and modern development. As part of the agreement reached during negotiations with the Rector of St Petersburg University, Eduardo Villegas Mejias visited the oldest Russia’s university to meet with the University students and staff and share his opinion about the cooperation between the two countries. 

Sergey Andryushin, Vice-Rector for International Affairs at St Petersburg University, addressed the Ambassador of Mexico and the meeting participants with a welcoming speech. He thanked Eduardo Villegas Mejias for his contribution to the development of relations between Russia and Mexico and said that the University is open to building up mutually beneficial partnerships in various areas of bilateral cooperation.

St Petersburg University is a leader in internationalisation.

Sergey Andryushin, Vice-Rector for International Affairs at St Petersburg University

Eduardo Villegas Mejias primarily focused on relations between Mexico and Russia. In particular, he spoke about growing cooperation at the regional level. He also emphasised that Mexican universities are ready to cooperate with universities in Russia. However, he added, the conversation about expanding academic cooperation should be not only with leading universities in Mexico, but also with smaller educational institutions. He also emphasised the need to expand contacts between the peoples of the two countries in all areas.

As part of the presentation of the book, Eduardo Villegas Mejias spoke about the country’s history, focusing on pre-Columbian civilisations and Native American heritage. He mentioned prominent figures, unique traditions, original music and culinary culture. "Mexico is much richer and more fascinating than it seems at first glance," said Eduardo Villegas Mejias. 

According to Eduardo Villegas Mejias, Mexico inherits the culture and traditions of Spain, creating a single multicultural community. Yet, respect for religious and ethnic diversity is crucial for Mexico, he said. Mexico has a rich heritage not only of Spain and indigenous peoples, but also of African peoples and immigrants from China who came to the country through the Philippines.

The history of Mexico goes back several thousand years. The legacy of such famous civilisations as the Mayans and Aztecs has survived not only in the form of pyramids and sculptures, but also in the form of languages that have survived. Mexico gained independence as a state in 1821. Since then, Mexico has gone through many changes.

Written by leading scholars, "History of the Mexican People" focuses on the Mexican people’s ongoing efforts to overcome injustice, racism, and oppression. It unfolds a story of the continuous struggle for rights, for improved social conditions and, ultimately, for a free and fulfilling life. 

The meeting was held in Spanish, and St Petersburg University students could ask the Ambassador of Mexico to the Russian Federation questions. Most of them were concerned with the history and attitudes towards historical figures. Eduardo Villegas Mejias spoke about the complexity and ambiguity of the figure of Agustín de Iturbide (Emperor of Mexico) and Maximilian I of Mexico from the Imperial House of Habsburg-Lorraine. The Mexican Ambassador to the Russian Federation also mentioned the history of the Mexican Civil War and the importance of the figures of Emiliano Zapata and Pancho Villa and showed his deep knowledge of the history of other countries of the world, for example, answering a question about the history of apartheid in South Africa.

The Mexican Ambassador delivered a speech as part of a series of events dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the restoration of diplomatic relations between Russia and Mexico, which took place in 1924. Eduardo Villegas Mejias is one of the compilers and editors of the "History of the Mexican People".

At the end of the conversation, the Ambassador of Mexico gave the meeting participants a quiz with interesting facts about Mexico. To everyone who answered numerous questions correctly, Eduardo Villegas Mejias presented the publication of the book "History of the Mexican People".