Cuban regime's Foreign Minister, Bruno Rodríguez, has openly criticized the European tour of U.S. diplomat Mike Hammer, accusing him of attempting to dismantle Cuba’s medical missions.
In a post on X, Rodríguez accused "the U.S. diplomat accredited in Cuba" of spending his time in Europe trying "to end a service so necessary and humane," along with a photo featuring the regime’s medical mission in Italy.
"His argument relies on the use of force and threats. Demonstrating incompetence and inefficiency in his assigned duties, he has been rewarded with costly European tours to wield his government's influence as his calling card," Rodríguez stated.
Last Thursday, during an official visit to Rome, Hammer met with Vatican representatives and Latin American diplomats. This visit aligns with President Donald Trump's administration's efforts to bolster international support for Cuban freedom.
According to the U.S. Embassy to the Holy See, Hammer conferred with Caritas Internationalis to coordinate the direct delivery of humanitarian aid to Cubans through the Catholic Church, a mechanism Washington prioritizes to bypass regime interference.
The diplomat also took part in a gathering organized by the U.S. Ambassador to the Vatican, Joe Donnelly Burch, alongside a group of Latin American ambassadors accredited to the Holy See.
On Sunday, Hammer posted a photo at the Vatican with Mons. Silvano Pedroso Montalvo, Bishop of Guantánamo-Baracoa, who had coincidentally traveled there to meet with the Pope.
The European Parliament and the U.S. Department of State have labeled Cuban medical missions as a form of "human trafficking and forced labor."
Impact of Diplomatic Actions on Cuban Medical Missions
Why did Bruno Rodríguez criticize Mike Hammer's European tour?
Bruno Rodríguez criticized Mike Hammer's European tour because he believes it aims to end Cuba’s medical missions, which are considered by the Cuban regime as vital humanitarian efforts.
What was the focus of Hammer's meeting with Vatican representatives?
Hammer's meeting with Vatican representatives focused on coordinating the delivery of humanitarian aid to Cubans through the Catholic Church, a strategy intended to avoid direct involvement of the Cuban regime.
How are Cuban medical missions viewed internationally?
Internationally, Cuban medical missions have been criticized by entities such as the European Parliament and the U.S. Department of State, which consider them a form of human trafficking and forced labor.