Albuquerque and Mexican Consulate Strengthen Ties Through Subnational Diplomacy
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — As international trade tensions rise and tariffs threaten cross-border economic collaboration, Albuquerque and Chihuahua are doubling down on subnational diplomacy. Mayors Tim Keller of Albuquerque and Marco Bonilla of Chihuahua gathered on Monday at the Mexican Consulate in Albuquerque to formally renew the Sister Cities Agreement that has united their communities for 55 years.
Originally signed in 1970, the partnership continues to serve as a model for international cooperation, rooted in mutual respect and shared values. The commitment between cities highlights how local governments can champion international relationships that foster mutual prosperity, cultural understanding, and regional resilience.
The signing ceremony, held as part of a Cinco de Mayo celebration, showcased the enduring cultural ties between New Mexico and Chihuahua. During the event, Sister Cities leaders Yuriria Morales-Mangone and Aimeé González Estrada presented a renewed strategic agenda focused on economic development, cultural and educational exchanges, and collaboration on best practices in areas such as public safety, urban planning, sustainability, and public health. Delegations from both cities also met to explore expanded partnerships across key sectors.
“At a time when some want to pull back from international relationships, we’re doing the opposite,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Now more than ever it’s critical to strengthen the relationships that unite us, and we’re reaffirming our partnership with Chihuahua because cooperation, trust, and shared opportunity matter now more than ever.”
"We are living in global than undoubtedly require effective cooperation at the local level more than ever. That is why the municipal Government of Chihuahua renews its commitment to strengthening this alliance,” stated Mayor Marco Bonilla. “We will continue working as a team—side by side, shoulder to shoulder, hand in hand—so that Chihuahua and Albuquerque remain a model of cooperation, integration, and above all sisterhood between cities,” he emphasized.
Patricia Pinzón, Consul of Mexico in Albuquerque, welcomed attendees and emphasized the importance of strengthening local diplomacy through meaningful cross-border relationships. She noted that hosting the event on Cinco de Mayo added symbolic depth to the occasion, honoring the resilience, unity, and identity shared across Mexican, Hispanic, and Mexican-American communities.
“The date is significant for all,” said Consul Pinzón. “It reminds us that we all belong to one same thriving community—connected not just by proximity, but by culture, history, and friendship.”
The renewed agreement and accompanying strategic agenda mark a new chapter in the Albuquerque–Chihuahua relationship, reaffirming a commitment to collaborative progress, cultural celebration, and long-term mutual benefit.
After the signature of the agreement, Chair Yuriria Morales-Mangone was recognized with the “Mexicanos Distinguidos” Award, a recognition consisting of a medal and a diploma provided by the Institute of Mexicans Abroad of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs bestowed through the consular network to Mexican nationals who have excelled in different disciplines in the United States and that do extraordinary contributions in their countries of residence that continue to favorably impact their communities of origin.