About the Ambassador of Mexico
How did you decide to become a diplomat?
My passion for diplomacy started in secondary school where I decided I wanted to be an ambassador and since that moment I’ve worked towards that goal. I joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1982. With a career in Foreign Service that spanned 36 years, my most recent appointment before coming to Riyadh was as Ambassador to Ethiopia as well as the Mexican representative to the African Union. This appointment provided a window to the African region where I could be directly in touch with African interests and decision-making, which prepared me for the role of an Ambassador to the Kingdom.
How did you feel when you were assigned to Saudi Arabia?
My first reaction was curiosity. Despite my extensive and diverse tour, this was my first appointment in the Middle East. I arrived in January 2017, and with this posting, I have accomplished a tour around the world in terms of experiencing vast cultures, different religions, languages, and interests. Saudi Arabia provides the opportunity to experience all these things, and my previous experiences working in Latin America, Washington DC, Europe, China and Africa prepared me for this role.
Tell us about your experiences of being an Ambassador in Saudi Arabia? What are the most challenging and the most rewarding aspects of this job?
My number one priority is to increase the level of co- operation between Mexico and Saudi Arabia, both G20 countries, through trade and investment. My team and I meet once a week to formulate a strategy on how to strengthen cooperation, knowledge and cultural exchange. One of the biggest challenges we face is breaking the barrier of lack of knowledge about Mexico. I aim to showcase and spread awareness about Mexico’s economic and technological transformation as we shifted our dependence on oil to manufacturing which has attracted substantial foreign investment as well as heightened our level of cooperation with over 46 countries. The most rewarding aspect of the job is succeeding and achieving our goals in spreading cultural and economic awareness as well as bringing Mexico and Saudi Arabia closer in bilateral relationships. The biggest honor comes in showcasing the success of Mexicans, whether it’s our presence at a cultural event, or being a finalist at a racing event, to the Saudi population, as well as connecting with the “small but powerful” Mexican community to enhance and spread cultural awareness.
Walk us through one day in the life of Ambassador Miranda?
I am quite predictable and transparent; routine and discipline have served me well throughout the course of my career. I start my workday at 9:00 AM sharp, where I conduct office work; reviewing official documents as well as distributing work to the staff. I take lunch punctually at 1:00 PM even on the busiest of days; I have learned to be highly disciplined, and this has been imperative in achieving my goals. From 2:00 PM to 6:30 PM I continue my workday at the embassy and I split my day to focus on different elements of my work: organizing the embassy, receiving information about international developments, and signing important documents. I attend important functions almost every evening which is quite enjoyable, and it allows me to network and do my job as a representative of Mexico to the world.
What do you like the most about living in Riyadh and the DQ?
Riyadh is a peaceful, relaxing, and calm place, where you can really take advantage of your time. Living in the DQ, near my office, provides me with the advantage of being able to maximize my time and energy in tackling the real issues that I need to deal with. As opposed to densely populated and heavily congested cities like Mexico City, I really appreciate living in a calm and relaxing city. The DQ is a unique residential area where I enjoy the many facilities and a vast num- ber of walking trails, and we as well take advantage of the outdoors.
What are your favorite places to visit in Saudi Arabia?
There are many but I will name a few. The Red Sands is where I visited with my family who spent the December holiday with us. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the desert on quads and ATVs. I have visited Masmak Fort countless times. I enjoy taking visiting delegations there, and I can almost serve as a guide. This cultural site gives you the chance to understand the country; it’s the synthesis of Saudi Arabia’s rich history. I also enjoy the National Museum and of course, the Edge of the World which is truly remarkable.
Embassy of Mexico
Al Fazaari Plaza, C-9,
Diplomatic Quarter
P.O. Box 94391,
Riyadh 11693
Tel: +966 11 480 8822
Email: embasaudita@sre.gob.mx
