The Mexican President, Claudia Sheinbaum, defended on Tuesday the shipment of oil to Cuba, framing it as part of "energy and financial cooperation" agreements with the Cuban regime. She emphasized that this move continues Mexico's historical support for the island.
"Firstly, we are acting within a legal framework as a sovereign nation, and secondly, we are continuing a series of historical supports that our country has extended to Cuba," the president stated during her morning press conference at the National Palace.
Her comments came after revelations about an 80,000-barrel fuel shipment to Cuba. Although Sheinbaum did not provide specifics about the pricing or conditions of the shipments from Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex), she assured, "everything is legal and is part of a longstanding practice."
She further mentioned that Pemex will later disclose information regarding the costs associated with the transport, loading, and unloading of the fuel.
The president reiterated that these deliveries are also made for "humanitarian reasons for the Cuban people," despite criticisms from those questioning support for the Cuban regime amid Mexico's own energy and economic challenges.
Sheinbaum highlighted the "historical" relationship between the two nations, recalling how Mexico was the only country to oppose the U.S. embargo against Cuba within the Organization of American States (OAS).
"Regardless of the political party, Mexico-Cuba relations have existed and are not new, and everything is done within the law," she emphasized.
During her address, Sheinbaum presented a timeline of bilateral ties starting from 1994, when Mexico invested $350 million in modernizing the Cuban Camilo Cienfuegos refinery. She also noted official visits from the administration of Luis Echeverría (1970-1976) to that of Andrés Manuel López Obrador (2018-2024), though she clarified that "there are currently no plans" for her to visit Cuba.
These shipments come at a crucial time for the island, which is experiencing blackouts lasting over 20 hours daily in many areas and faces the potential loss of Venezuelan oil supplies due to U.S. sanctions and military pressures.
Key Questions About Mexico-Cuba Oil Shipments
Why is Mexico sending oil to Cuba?
Mexico is sending oil to Cuba as part of energy and financial cooperation agreements, continuing a historical tradition of support between the two nations.
What legal framework supports these oil shipments?
The oil shipments are conducted within a legal framework as defined by Mexico, respecting its sovereignty and existing bilateral agreements with Cuba.
Has Mexico faced criticism for these actions?
Yes, there has been criticism regarding Mexican support for the Cuban regime, particularly given Mexico's own energy and economic issues.