By Alejandra Garcia on August 16, 2022 from Havana
AMLO and Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel
This 2022, Cuba and Mexico celebrated 120 years of uninterrupted diplomatic relations, marked by the historical ties of brotherhood and solidarity that unite both nations. Since ancient times, the two countries have maintained true sisterly relations due to their geographic proximity, migration, language, music, sports, culture and idiosyncrasy.
Many years before Cuba was constituted as a Republic, the paths between the two peoples crossed under a common purpose in their pursuit of sovereignty, progress, and social justice.
Many Cubans fought for Mexico against French and U.S. invasions, and Mexico was the first nation to recognize Cuba’s independence, lead by Carlos Manuel de Céspedes as president of the Republic in Arms.
In the Cuban independence struggles from Spain, this close solidarity reached the highest military ranks with Mexican leaders Gabriel González and Felipe Herrero and many others who rendered their services to the Cuban cause by training the future soldiers of the newly born Republic and fighting as any other insurrectionist regardless of nationality.
Likewise, the Cuban presence in Mexico caught the attention of President Benito Juarez, who in the course of his political and social life included them and had many as companions.
Although some sources give May 20, 1903 as the official date for the beginning of diplomatic relations between the two countries, the first exchange of ambassadors took place on July 1902.
Cuba appointed General Carlos García Vélez, son of the general of the three wars Calixto García, on October 31st while the Mexican ambassador Gilberto Crespo Martínez arrived on the island on July 1st.
Mexico was the only Latin American country that didn’t break off relations with Cuba, after the expulsion of the island from the Organization of American States in 1962, mandated by the United States.
In recent years, despite U.S. efforts to isolate Cuba from the rest of the world, Mexico has been at our side, willing to promote development in the educational, cultural, commercial and economic areas, and to cooperate in facing the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and other disasters or epidemics.
Mexico’s unconditional support was proven as delegations from countries in the Western hemisphere were set to arrive in Los Angeles, California for the Summit of the Americas, this past June. Mexico’s president Andrés Manuel López Obrador didn’t attend the gathering because not all nations in the region were invited. Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela were excluded unilaterally from the meeting by the Biden Adminstration.
“There can’t be a Summit of the Americas if not all countries of the American continent are taking part,” Lopez Obrador said.
Mexico was also on our side when the unprecedented fire broke out in the country’s main oil storage facility in Matanzas last week. A team of Mexicans, together with another Venezuelan team, was at the foot of the flames fighting side by side with Cubans to extinguish the fire. Mexico didn’t wait for Cuba to give them a call for assistance; instead they loaded up planes and ships with specialized personal and material aid the minute the severity of the explosion was clear.
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel expressed to Mexican President Andres Manuel López Obrador that, “The resolute and determined accompaniment of the Mexican brothers was very opportune and necessary. Mexico has been here for us unconditionally for the past years; and during this difficult time, its worthy sons ran the same risk as us, together with the Venezuelan brothers.”
Cuba appreciates Mexico’s solid and consistent support, as well as AMLO’s strong statements on regional solidarity and constant advocacy in condemning the blockade.
Last May, during the celebration for the 120 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries, AMLO assured: “A new relationship between the countries of the Americas is possible. Our proposal may seem utopian and even naive, but instead of closing ourselves off, we must open ourselves to committed and frank dialogue, and seek unity throughout the American continent.”
“I will continue to insist -he added- on seeking, as a first step, that the United States lifts the blockade of this sister nation to initiate the reestablishment of relations of cooperation and friendship between the peoples of the two nations. A new Era awaits.”
Source: Resumen Latinoamericano – US