Mexico officially became the International Energy Agency's (IEA) 30th member country on Feb. 17, 2018, the IEA announced on Monday.
This marks the first member of Latin America to join the agency.
"Mexico's accession is a cornerstone of the IEA's ongoing modernization strategy, including 'opening the doors' of the IEA to engage more deeply with emerging economies and the key energy players of Latin America, Asia and Africa, towards a secure, sustainable and affordable energy future," the statement read.
Membership came after the signed IEA treaty (the IEP Agreement) was presented to the government of Belgium, which serves as the depository state, following ratification by the Mexican Senate.
The IEA family of 30 Member countries and seven association countries now accounts for more than 70 percent of global energy consumption, up from less than 40 percent in 2015.
Joaquín Coldwell, Mexico's secretary of energy said that with this new step, Mexico will enter the most important energy forum in the world.
"We will take our part in setting the world's energy policies, receive experienced advisory in best international practices, and participate in emergency response exercises," he added.
The IEA's Executive Director Fatih Birol said that the ambitious and successful energy reforms of recent years have put Mexico firmly on the global energy policy map.
Mexico is the world's 15th-largest economy and 12th-largest oil producer, and has some of the world's best renewable energy resources.
"The IEA family will benefit greatly from Mexico's contribution on discussions about the world's energy challenges," the IEA said.
"The IEA is delighted to continue supporting implementation of Mexico's energy reform with technical expertise, and further intensifying the fruitful bilateral dialogue of energy policy best practice exchange," according to the organization.
(Anadolu Agency)
