Mexico has sent a second package of humanitarian aid to Cuba at a time when the island faces a US oil embargo and threats of tariffs against countries that supply it with oil, the Associated Press reported, quoted by BTA.
Two Mexican warships carrying 1,193 tons of supplies set sail from the port of Veracruz in the Gulf of Mexico yesterday, the Mexican Foreign Ministry said. The shipment is expected to arrive on Saturday.
The ship "Papaloapan" is carrying 1,078 tons of beans and powdered milk, and the ship "Wasteco" – 92 tons of beans and 23 tons of other food products. According to the Mexican Foreign Ministry, the latest 23 tons of humanitarian aid were provided by various social organizations with the support of the city authorities of the Mexican capital.
This is the second package of Mexican humanitarian aid to the island this year. In February, Mexico sent more than 814 tons of food and hygiene supplies to Cuba.
Canada announced today that it will provide 8 million Canadian dollars ($6.7 million) in food aid to the Cuban population.
Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand said she had not discussed Canada's intentions to send aid with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio or other U.S. officials.
"This is Canadian foreign policy," she said, adding: "We are focused on the humanitarian situation.".
The funding will be provided through U.N. agencies, not the Cuban government.
The aid comes as diplomatic talks continue to resume oil supplies. They were suspended in the middle of last month, just before US President Donald Trump announced a significant tightening of the economic embargo against Havana.
Cuba relied heavily on oil supplies from Venezuela, which were cut off after the US carried out a military operation in the South American country in early January and detained its leader.
Cuba produces only 40% of its fuel needs and is highly vulnerable to external blockades. Although powerful allies such as Russia and China have condemned the US measures, their support has so far remained largely symbolic, the AP notes.