Two Presidents: Strengthening the relationship between Mexico And Cuba

On an official visit to Mexico, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel further affirmed an already strong relationship with that nation. He and the accompanying delegation was met at the airport on Thursday by Marcelo Ebrard Casaubón, Mexico’s Secretary of Foreign Relations. 

Arriving on Mexico’s national Independence Day, the 211th anniversary of the Grito de Dolores (the Cry of Dolores), the presidential visit represents the historical strength and goals of the relationship. The two nations have long supported one another in their struggles for independence. Mexico was one of the first countries to recognize Cuba’s Revolution.

The two presidents, Andres Manuel López Obradoras and Diaz-Canel, were the day’s guests of honor at an independence day military parade in the capital city. 

In his speech at the Independence Day celebrations, President Diaz-Canel thanked Mexico for its continued support. He said Mexico’s recent donation of over 100,000 barrels of diesel, oxygen tanks, buckets, syringes, and food for Cuban hospitals came at a crucial time as Cuba suffered not only the effects of the global pandemic but also “the ravages of a multidimensional war”, he said, referring to the crippling U.S. blockade of the island. “Under the fire of that total war, the solidarity of Mexico with Cuba has awakened in our people greater admiration and the deepest gratitude.”

In his speech, President López Obrador called upon the U.S., yet again, to “lift the blockade against Cuba because no state has the right to subdue another people, another country.” 

On Thursday afternoon, the two presidents and their delegations held a meeting at the National Palace in Mexico City.

In the meeting, a mutual interest in continuing political dialogue was identified. Both countries are committed to expanding economic and trade relations, investment and cooperation in health, biotechnology, sports, education and tourism, cultural and academic ties. 

Mexico and Cuba hold the same vision for a more united Latin America and the Caribbean. They also share a commitment to peace, cooperation and development. The meeting resulted in full agreement to work together to promote bilateral economic relations, of which there is great potential. 

CELAC 2021

President Diaz-Canel’s arrival was timed just a few days ahead of the beginning of the important regional CELAC 2021 Summit. 

CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) is an intergovernmental organization representing 33 Latin American and Caribbean countries. It was, in part, established by the late leader of Venezuela, Hugo Chavez, in 2011. 

On Saturday, 16 confirmed heads of state will land in Mexico to attend the CELAC summit.

Discussions on the CELAC agenda will be the region’s pandemic response and the creation of a fund for climate change disasters.

The two presidents are committed to working for the unity and integration of Latin America and the Caribbean. It is expected that Mexico will push for a proposal to replace or reform the Organization of American States (OAS), seen by many as an “interventionist” instrument of the United States.