The Mexican president said her government will continue sending humanitarian aid to the Island
14ymedio/EFE, Mexico City, February 18, 2026 – Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, said Wednesday that conversations are underway to explore whether the country could facilitate dialogue between the United States and Cuba, while reiterating that her government will continue sending humanitarian aid to the Island.
“There are talks to see whether it’s feasible, but it depends on both governments,” the president said at her regular morning press conference, responding to a Telesur reporter who asked whether the U.S. State Department had “formally responded” to Mexico’s offer to act as an intermediary in possible talks between Washington and Havana.
It does not depend solely on Mexico’s willingness, she added, but also on that of the other two parties “and on the conditions that, within the framework of its self-determination, the Government of Cuba may be establishing.”
Without providing further details, Sheinbaum added that Mexico will continue supporting the Island and called on other countries to join in. “Hopefully more countries will join. We will continue sending aid and support,” she said.
Despite criticizing the sanctions announced by the United States, Mexico has acknowledged that it has “for the time being” halted fuel shipments to the Island
She also emphasized that cooperation includes citizen-led initiatives in addition to government efforts. “Not only is the Government supporting the people of Cuba, but there are already many civic initiatives. Mexico has always been supportive, and this will be no exception,” she insisted.
The president framed these actions within Mexico’s constitutional principles of foreign policy, such as “the self-determination of peoples, non-intervention, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts.”
In that vein, she reiterated that political decisions belong to each nation, stressing that “the only ones who can decide the government of Cuba are Cubans. The only ones who can decide the Government of Mexico are Mexicans. No one else. There should be neither interference nor invasions.”
Last week, two Mexican ships arrived in Havana carrying more than 814 tons of food and other goods as humanitarian aid.
Sheinbaum has indicated that another shipment of aid will be sent, although she did not specify when. It will be the second sent by Mexico in response to the worsening humanitarian situation in Cuba following the announcement of U.S. sanctions against countries that supply oil to the Island.
Despite criticizing the sanctions announced by the United States, Mexico has acknowledged that it has “for the time being” halted fuel shipments to the Island.
Translated by Regina Anavy
______________________
COLLABORATE WITH OUR WORK: The 14ymedio team is committed to practicing serious journalism that reflects Cuba’s reality in all its depth. Thank you for joining us on this long journey. We invite you to continue supporting us by becoming a member of 14ymedio now. Together we can continue transforming journalism in Cuba.