Sheinbaum Proposes Global Arms Fund for Reforestation During Barcelona Summit

Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum visited Barcelona to propose redirecting 10% of global arms spending to reforestation while addressing the Cuban crisis.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 21, 2026, 9:16 AM EDT

Source: Mexico News Daily

A New Chapter in Mexico Spain Diplomacy

The two day diplomatic mission marked the first visit by a Mexican president to Spain in eight years, signaling a significant thaw in relations. While her predecessor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, had previously called for a "pause" in diplomatic ties and demanded apologies for the Spanish conquest, Sheinbaum declared in Barcelona that "there is no diplomatic crisis." This rapprochement was further bolstered by recent acknowledgments from King Felipe VI regarding historical abuses during the colonization of the Americas, which Sheinbaum noted as a positive step toward mutual recognition.

During a one-on-one meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, both leaders focused on strengthening ties between the two nations. Spanish Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo described Sheinbaum’s presence as a "very important and positive sign" of reconciliation. Despite the historical tensions, the visit focused on contemporary collaboration, including scientific partnerships such as the "Coatlicue" supercomputer project between Mexico and the Barcelona Supercomputing Center.

Advocacy for Cuban Sovereignty and Humanitarian Aid

A central pillar of Sheinbaum’s address was a firm stance against military intervention in Cuba. She called for a formal declaration against such actions, citing the ongoing humanitarian crisis on the island exacerbated by fuel shortages and international blockades. Following the summit, the governments of Mexico, Brazil, and Spain issued a joint statement expressing deep concern over the "dire situation" facing the Cuban people and calling for measures to alleviate their suffering.

The joint communiqué reaffirmed a commitment to international law and territorial integrity, stressing that the future of Cuba should be decided by its own citizens "in full freedom." Sheinbaum’s vocal support for the Caribbean nation underscores her administration's commitment to non interventionist foreign policy principles, including the peaceful resolution of conflicts and the sovereign equality of nations.