The President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, acknowledged on Thursday that her government sends fuel to Cuba and defended the measure by describing it as part of the "humanitarian aid" that the country provides to other nations.
During a press conference broadcasted by the National Left Network on X, Sheinbaum was questioned by a journalist about complaints from U.S. congress members who warned about shipments of Mexican oil to the island, which could affect trade relations between Mexico and the United States.
"Has Mexico been supplying fuel to Cuba? How much and in exchange for what?" asked the reporter.
The president responded: “Yes, it is the purchase of fuel, as other countries do. Right now, there is a surplus of diesel in particular, and it is being exported. And just as... first, humanitarian aid will always be provided by Mexico, always, to Cuba and other countries in need. That is our essence, humanism, always.”
Sheinbaum affirmed that the shipment of diesel to Cuba is part of commercial and humanitarian agreements that "are carried out with transparency," and compared it to the program for hiring Cuban doctors who work in Mexican rural communities.
"Cuban doctors in Mexico have a very transparent contract. They are paid for their stay here, as needed by Mexico. For years, the training of specialists was halted, and they generously come to support," he stated.
In this way, once again, the government of Mexico establishes itself as one of the main sponsors of the Cuban regime.
Regarding the criticisms from the congressman from Miami, who warned that those shipments could affect the Mexico-United States-Canada Agreement (USMCA), the president was clear:
“No, it is not going to affect anything. The United States knows that Mexico is an independent, free, and sovereign country, and that the decisions we make are sovereign decisions,” he emphasized.
Sheinbaum stated that the bilateral relationship with Washington "is going very well" and emphasized that Juan Ramón de la Fuente, Mexico's representative to the UN, recently met with the U.S. Secretary of State in a "friendly and cordial" meeting.
According to Sheinbaum, the outstanding issues regarding trade are “virtually settled,” and meetings on security between both countries will continue in Mexico in the coming weeks.
The government of Claudia Sheinbaum has significantly intensified the shipments of oil and derivatives to Cuba, consolidating an energy policy that has directly benefited the Cuban regime.
A report by Mexicans Against Corruption and Impunity revealed that in just four months, 58 shipments were sent, totaling over $3 billion, which is three times more than what was dispatched in the last two years of López Obrador's term.
These shipments, managed through the subsidiary Gasolinas Bienestar, have even included the use of the Cuban vessel Sandino, which is sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department's OFAC.
Despite the diplomatic and financial risks, operations continue regularly, while the state-owned refuses to disclose details about payments, amounts, and conditions, claiming that it is a "private matter."
On the other hand, a journalistic investigation revealed that the million-dollar medical program lacks official evaluation. Neither the IMSS, the Ministry of Health, nor IMSS-Bienestar have been able to confirm whether the Cuban professionals are fulfilling their duties, while the accumulated expenditure exceeds 105 million dollars.
The money is transferred directly to the Cuban regime, and the doctors operate under conditions reported as labor exploitation and a lack of minimum guarantees, with no reports on their performance, number of consultations, or location.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Shipment of Mexican Oil to Cuba and Humanitarian Aid Policy
Why does Mexico send oil to Cuba?
The president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, justified the shipment of oil to Cuba as part of the "humanitarian aid" that her country offers to nations in need. These shipments are conducted under commercial and humanitarian agreements, according to Sheinbaum, and are part of Mexico's humanitarian policy.
Does this oil shipment to Cuba affect the relations between Mexico and the United States?
According to Claudia Sheinbaum, the shipments do not affect relations with the United States, as Mexico is an independent and sovereign country in its decisions. Despite the criticisms from U.S. congressmen, Sheinbaum asserts that the outstanding trade issues with the United States are virtually resolved.
What are the criticisms regarding the shipment of Mexican oil to Cuba?
The main criticisms focus on the fact that these shipments could be a covert subsidy to the Cuban regime, affecting Pemex's finances, which already faces a high debt. Furthermore, the use of vessels sanctioned by the United States, such as the Sandino ship, could pose diplomatic risks for Mexico.
How are oil shipments related to the hiring of Cuban doctors in Mexico?
The hiring of Cuban doctors in Mexico is justified as part of the bilateral cooperation between both countries. Mexico has employed these doctors to work in rural areas due to the shortage of specialists. However, there are criticisms regarding the lack of transparency in the evaluation of their performance and the working conditions imposed by the Cuban regime.
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