Mexico Confirms Continued Aid Shipments to Cuba Amid Energy Crisis
Mexico is continuing to provide aid to Cuba, including shipments of oil, as the Caribbean island nation faces a significant energy crisis. The confirmation comes from Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who detailed the nature of the assistance during recent public statements.
According to a message posted on social media by Cuban Ambassador to Mexico, Eugenio Martínez Enríquez, Mexican government authorities are working closely with the Cuban diplomatic representation to finalize the delivery of material aid. Martínez Enríquez expressed his country’s gratitude for the solidarity shown by the Mexican government and its willingness to help the Cuban people during this challenging time.
“As President Claudia Sheinbaum reported, directors and officials from the Presidential Office and the Secretariat of Foreign Relations have been coordinating with us to ensure the shipment of material aid to Cuba,” Martínez Enríquez wrote. “We deeply appreciate the solidarity with our people and the sincere willingness to help Cuba in this difficult moment.”
President Sheinbaum confirmed on Friday that her administration would be sending humanitarian aid to Cuba in the coming days, potentially over the weekend or by Monday at the latest. She explained that the aid is being delivered through two primary channels.
One channel involves contracts established between Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex) and Cuban government institutions, where Pemex independently determines the timing of oil shipments. The other channel is direct humanitarian aid, which includes oil alongside other essential supplies sent for humanitarian purposes, Sheinbaum clarified.
The continuation of these shipments comes despite diplomatic pressure from the United States, which reportedly asked Mexico to suspend oil deliveries to Cuba. Sheinbaum refuted claims of a suspension, stating she never indicated that shipments had been halted, and emphasized that Mexico’s decision is a sovereign one.
“Humanitarian aid to Cuba, like to other countries, continues because it is humanitarian aid,” Sheinbaum stated, drawing a comparison to food or medical supply donations made by other nations to the island. She defended the decision as consistent with Mexico’s longstanding policy of supporting all nations.
Mexican officials are also reportedly evaluating methods to continue sending fuel to Cuba without incurring tariffs from the United States, which has threatened reprisals against countries supplying fuel to the island. This effort underscores Mexico’s commitment to providing assistance to Cuba despite external pressures.
In addition to oil shipments, Mexico is also sending technical assistance to Cuba to help address the country’s energy crisis. This support aims to provide expertise and resources to help Cuba overcome its current challenges in maintaining a stable energy supply.
