Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced on Friday that her administration is planning to dispatch humanitarian aid to Cuba "in the coming days," focusing primarily on food and other requested supplies from the island nation.
“We aim to send this aid by the weekend, or by Monday at the latest, concentrating on food and some other supplies they have asked for,” stated Sheinbaum during her daily briefing in Michoacán.
Sheinbaum detailed that this support has been coordinated through diplomatic channels and Mexican authorities, with the backing of Lázaro Cárdenas Batel, head of the Presidential Office, and the Secretariat of Foreign Affairs.
The president framed this announcement alongside efforts to potentially resume oil shipments to Cuba, emphasizing that Mexico is cautious to avoid potential sanctions by former U.S. President Donald Trump.
"We have been engaged in diplomatic efforts to resume oil shipments to Cuba," she noted. However, Sheinbaum reiterated that preventing repercussions for Mexico remains a priority. “Obviously, we don’t want Mexico to face sanctions, but for now, we are sending humanitarian aid,” she emphasized.
This issue is sensitive, as highlighted by a report from EFE, due to ongoing trade tensions and warnings from the United States regarding possible actions against countries supplying fuel to the island. This has prompted the Mexican government to explore diplomatic alternatives before restarting energy shipments.
When asked about the possibility of directly contacting Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel, Sheinbaum expressed openness if necessary, but clarified that thus far, communications have been conducted through the Cuban embassy in Mexico.
“If needed, yes. But so far, we have been operating through the Cuban embassy in Mexico,” she remarked.
The potential delivery of aid comes after Pemex Director Víctor Rodríguez Padilla stated on Tuesday that the state-owned company had sent oil to Cuba in 2025 valued at $496 million and that Mexico maintains only one commercial contract with the island. Recently, Mexico acknowledged halting shipments to Cuba to avoid triggering tariffs from the United States but affirmed its commitment to continue providing humanitarian assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mexico's Aid to Cuba
Why is Mexico sending aid to Cuba?
Mexico is sending humanitarian aid to Cuba in response to requests from the island, focusing on providing food and essential supplies.
What concerns does Mexico have regarding U.S. sanctions?
Mexico is cautious about potential U.S. sanctions related to oil shipments to Cuba, as previous U.S. administration policies have warned against such actions.
How is Mexico coordinating this aid?
The aid is being coordinated through diplomatic channels and with the assistance of Mexican authorities and the Cuban embassy in Mexico.