MADRID, Spain.- The president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, reiterated This Tuesday the willingness of his Government to “set the table” for the United States and Cuba to sit down and talk, in an attempt to explore a negotiated solution to the current diplomatic and economic tension between both countries.
During his morning press conference at the National Palace, Sheinbaum clarified that the initiative depends exclusively on the political will of Washington and Havana. “That depends on Cuba and the United States. Cuba is a sovereign, independent country; the United States, too. Mexico has always set the table to be able to address any conflict. At many times in its history. And this is no exception,” said the president.
The Mexican president stressed that the offer to mediate “is not a personal matter,” but rather “it is a matter of the history of Mexican foreign policy.” Likewise, he pointed out that it should not be seen as a unilateral imposition, but as a willingness to facilitate a space for dialogue if both parties are willing, “to guarantee peace.” “If they decide to sit down and talk, Mexico can help, it can set the table, but it is not a unilateral decision,” he added.
Tensions between the United States and Havana
The Mexican proposal occurs in the midst of a scenario of strong tension between the United States and Havana. In recent weeks, the US administration has intensified pressure on the Cuban Government, announcing tariffs and the threat of sanctions against countries that supply oil to the Island, within the framework of a policy of isolation and economic punishment.
US President Donald Trump publicly stated: “We are negotiating with the Cuban leaders at this moment,” in reference to contacts that, according to him, seek to explore ways of understanding, although he has not offered concrete details or confirmed formal negotiations between the governments.
Although Washington has alluded to contacts, Vice Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío on Tuesday ruled out the existence of structured negotiations with the United States and stated that the exchanges between both countries have not transcended basic contacts, denying that there is a formal dialogue.
In particular, Fernandez de Cossío He rejected that issues such as the release of political prisoners are part of any dialogue agenda with Washington.
Mexico has been at the center of the dispute due to the fuel shipments it has made to Cuba in recent years. The Mexican Government has defended these shipments as humanitarian aid, while the United States has pressed for them to be suspended, remembering that they reinforce the Cuban Government.
Last week, Claudia Sheinbaum avoided confirming whether oil shipments to Cuba have been stopped or are about to be suspended. He limited himself to saying that it was a “sovereign decision” of both the Mexican State and Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex), in a context marked by reports on the cancellation of a shipment and for the hardening of the United States’ position regarding energy cooperation with the island.
