The President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, expressed her stance on Friday regarding the decree signed by U.S. President Donald Trump, which imposes tariff sanctions on countries that supply oil to Cuba.
During her morning conference in the border city of Tijuana, the leader addressed the topic with an emphasis on defending national sovereignty, adherence to foreign policy principles, and commitment to the Cuban people, while also attempting not to compromise the strategic relationship with the United States.
"How good that you asked, I prepared a statement on this matter," the president began before reading a pronouncement divided into four points.
Formal statement from the Mexican government
In her speech, Sheinbaum reaffirmed the pillars that guide her administration's stance:
"Mexico unequivocally reaffirms the principle of sovereignty and the free self-determination of peoples, a fundamental pillar of our foreign policy and international law."
2- "The imposition of tariffs on countries that supply oil to Cuba could trigger a widespread humanitarian crisis, directly affecting hospitals, food, and other essential services for the Cuban people," a situation that must be avoided through respect for international law and dialogue between the parties."
"I have instructed the Secretary of Foreign Relations to establish immediate communication with the Department of State of the United States in order to accurately understand the implications of the decree that was published yesterday and also to convey that we must prevent a humanitarian crisis for the Cuban people."
4- “Mexico will seek various alternatives, clearly in defense of Mexico as well, to provide humanitarian aid to the Cuban people who are going through a difficult moment, in line with what has historically been our tradition of solidarity and international respect.”
Defense of the bilateral relationship and national interest
However, the president emphasized that her government will not jeopardize economic stability or the trade relationship with the United States.
“We need to understand the implications because we don’t want to jeopardize our country in terms of tariffs. We want to know the extent and always seek diplomatic avenues, non-confrontation, dialogue, and explore different ways to offer support,” he explained in that regard.
Sheinbaum reiterated that the principle of self-determination is essential, but so is caution in decisions that could affect the Mexican economy.
For this reason, he emphasized the need to fully understand the contents of the decree and to act based on accurate information.
Humanitarian assistance without compromising Mexico
The president emphasized several times that Mexico will not abandon Cuba, but that any kind of assistance will be provided under conditions that do not compromise national security or the relationship with Washington
“Mexico will not leave the island alone... The United States is sending, for example, humanitarian aid to the island: food and other supplies. We will seek a way, without putting Mexico at risk obviously, to pursue solidarity always with the Cuban people.”
He also pointed out that oil shipments from Mexico to Cuba account for less than 1% of national production, and that they have been made both under contracts and for humanitarian reasons.
He indicated that the director of PEMEX will offer more details on the subject soon.
Sheinbaum also spoke about the phone conversation she had with Donald Trump the day before the decree was announced, clarifying that the topic of Cuba was not mentioned.
Conclusion
In response to a measure that could worsen conditions in Cuba and strain bilateral relations with the United States, the Mexican government opts for balance: maintaining the tradition of support for the Cuban people while not neglecting internal stability or the commercial framework of the T-MEC.
Claudia Sheinbaum outlined a course of action based on dialogue, respect for international law, and the simultaneous defense of Mexico's principles and interests.
The government will await the response from the State Department to determine the next steps, while remaining committed to not leaving the island alone.
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