Mexico and Belize Deliver 1,700 Tons of Aid to Cuba

Cuba received a shipment of 1,700 tons of food and essential supplies on June 7 via the cargo ship Asian Katra, which arrived in Havana from Coatzacoalcos, Mexico. The shipment was a joint effort between the federal governments of Mexico and Belize to combat severe food shortages and blackouts. This delivery marks the sixth shipment from Mexico since February.

Miguel Díaz-Canel thanked the contributing nations for their solidarity during a deepening economic crisis. The situation is exacerbated by a U.S. energy blockade that began in late January and ongoing sanctions. Other regional partners have also provided relief: Colombia's Presidential Agency for Cooperation dispatched 100 tons of medicines and non-perishable foods from Cartagena on June 5, and a separate shipment from Mexico and Uruguay arrived in late May. China has further promised 60,000 tons of rice.

Despite these efforts, fuel shortages persist after a Russian tanker diverted toward Brazil in late May. The United Nations has warned that the crisis affecting 9.6 million people could worsen with the start of hurricane season. Belizean officials noted that the aid reflects a long-standing friendship and mentioned ongoing discussions to retain specialists from the Cuban Medical Brigade to prevent domestic healthcare gaps.