Lecture 1998-12-14
The Voyage of the Mexican Astronomical Commission to Japan in 1874

H.E. The Mexican Ambassador, Mr. Manuel Uribe Castañeda

The Ambassador will make special reference to the description of Meiji Japan according to the report of Communications Vice-Minister Francisco Díaz Covarrubias, who led the traveling scientists who made up the Astronomical Commission. This report and the expert opinion of Don Francisco prompted the Mexican Government to enter into negotiations aimed at the conclusion of a Friendship, Trade and Navigation Agreement, which was signed in 1888, and to the establishment of diplomatic relations between Mexico and Japan in 1891. This year, 1998, marks the 110 anniversary of the Treaty, as well as the centennial of the Mexican Embassy in its present location in Nagata-cho.

Mr. Uribe's career has been divided between banking, administration and academia, as well as in the diplomatic field. He was Ambassador to Singapore and Korea before taking up his present position in 1995. He has been editor of El Trimestre Económico and the Mexican Labor Review, as well as writing numerous articles and presenting papers, mostly on economics.

Edited from material submitted by Dr. Joshua Dale.