U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently engaged in a dialogue with Argentina's Foreign Minister, Gerardo Werthein, to reaffirm their joint commitment to supporting the citizens of Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. These nations are grappling with repressive regimes and external interference. During their conversation, Rubio and Werthein underscored the importance of bolstering democracy and human rights in the region, while enhancing bilateral cooperation in areas such as security, combating organized crime, drug trafficking, and cybersecurity.
The U.S. State Department reiterated this commitment on its website and on social media platform X, highlighting the joint efforts of both nations to challenge oppressive governments and ensure the region's safety and prosperity. This collaboration between Washington and Buenos Aires strengthens their strategic alliance amid ongoing criticisms of the authoritarian governments in Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, notorious for their systematic repression of dissent.
Recently, Rubio attributed the hemisphere's migration crisis to these countries, denouncing their governments as "enemies of humanity." At a press conference in San José, Costa Rica, he argued that these regimes have driven mass emigration due to their political and economic failures. "The regimes in Nicaragua, Venezuela, and Cuba are enemies of humanity and have triggered a migration crisis. Without them, there would be no such crisis in the hemisphere," Rubio stated alongside Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves.
Furthermore, Rubio expressed his unwillingness to visit Cuba while its current regime remains in power. "I have no intention of going to Havana with this regime in charge, except to discuss when they will leave," he remarked in an interview with Fox News.
In response, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez retorted on X, "The U.S. Secretary of State wants to visit Havana, but first wants to change our government. He will remain disappointed." Rodríguez Parrilla dismissed the possibility and sharply criticized the U.S. official, accusing him of ignorance and noting he was not invited.
Key Insights on U.S. and Argentina's Stance on Latin America
What is the main focus of the conversation between Rubio and Werthein?
The primary focus was on supporting democracy and human rights in Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, while enhancing bilateral security cooperation.
Why does Rubio blame certain countries for the migration crisis?
Rubio holds the regimes in Nicaragua, Venezuela, and Cuba responsible for the migration crisis due to their political and economic mismanagement, which has forced citizens to flee.
How did Bruno Rodríguez respond to Rubio's comments?
Bruno Rodríguez dismissed Rubio's intentions to visit Cuba and criticized him for his lack of knowledge about the situation, stating that Rubio was not invited.