Mexico Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti agreed March 6 to establish MEXLA, a new commission made up of residents from Los Angeles and Mexico who will work to reinforce the already strong ties between the two regions.

“Mexico and Los Angeles are bound together by ties of family, history, values and culture, and we are determined to work together to build a brighter, healthier, more prosperous future,” said Garcetti. “MEXLA will strengthen the bonds between our communities by exchanging the best ideas in trade, tourism, athletics, the arts, climate, energy and more. Our partnership will help make life better for families on both sides of the border.”

Mexico and Los Angeles will select engaged community members representing key sectors, such as trade, sports, renewable energy, science, arts, culture and tourism to serve on the MEXLA commission. Members will be named in May and will take part in convenings and projects to enhance cross-border collaboration. The Pacific Council on International Policy in Los Angeles and COMEXI in Mexico will serve as key nonprofit partners and will organize and direct the commission. Mexico Undersecretary for North America Jesus Seade and Mayor Garcetti will be honorary co-chairs.

“Los Angeles is the largest Mexican city outside of Mexico, and we have a long-shared history with this vibrant and diverse metropolis,” Seade said. “I am pleased to be working with Mayor Garcetti on this important and unique initiative that will empower our community leaders to make further contributions to an already deep relationship.”

MEXLA is the result of a meeting held March 6 at Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs with both Ebrard and Seade representing Mexico and a Los Angeles delegation led by Garcetti, with Los Angeles City Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez, 7th District, and Los Angeles Councilman Gil Cedillo, 1st District.

The leaders discussed topics affecting Los Angeles and Mexico, including climate and energy, trade, earthquake preparedness, education, immigration and tourism.