Mexico's ambassador to Korea on Thursday highlighted the two countries' deeply integrated economic ties and cooperation in advanced industries, while South Korea's trade minister called for the resumption of talks on a bilateral free trade deal. "With the presence of more than 2,000 Korean companies in Mexico, our economies are deeply integrated into the supply chains shaping the future of North America," Mexican Ambassador Carlos Penafiel said at an event in Seoul marking the 216th anniversary of Mexico's Independence Day. "Beyond economic and commercial strength, our cooperation looks to the future: We collaborate in space research, clean energy, artificial intelligence and advanced industries," he added. The ambassador also stressed the importance of a strong bond of friendship between the two nations based on a shared "commitment to peace, international law, multilateralism and respect for human rights" at a time when "no nation can face today's challenges alone." Mexico is Korea's leading trading and investment partner in Latin America, while Korea ranks among Mexico's five largest