Claudia Sheinbaum on CELAC
TL;DR
Claudia Sheinbaum strongly promotes CELAC as a vehicle for Latin American and Caribbean unity, economic integration, and self-determination.
Key Points
She proposed convening a 'Summit for the Economic Wellbeing of Latin America and the Caribbean' during the 9th CELAC Summit in Honduras on April 9, 2025.
She explicitly called for an end to trade sanctions and blockades, specifically naming those against Cuba and Venezuela, stating they harm wellbeing and do not build peace.
Her representative echoed her stance that regional unity should prioritize collaboration and coordination while maintaining national sovereignty and avoiding subordination.
Summary
Claudia Sheinbaum views the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) as a crucial mechanism for fostering regional unity, greater economic integration, and articulating shared solutions among its member nations. She has explicitly proposed convening a 'Summit for the Economic Wellbeing of Latin America and the Caribbean' under the CELAC framework to advance this agenda based on shared prosperity and mutual respect for sovereignty. Her foreign policy stance, articulated through her representatives, emphasizes that a more united region is a stronger region capable of addressing geopolitical scenarios, strengthening multilateralism, and building more egalitarian societies through cooperation in trade, science, and energy.
Furthermore, Sheinbaum has used the CELAC platform to voice strong opposition to external punitive measures, specifically condemning trade sanctions and blockades, and explicitly calling for an end to the economic blockades against Cuba and Venezuela. This position aligns with Mexico's historical foreign policy principle of respecting the self-determination of peoples and pursuing peace through dialogue. Her emphasis is on proactive regional action, such as developing concrete proposals in areas like health self-sufficiency and sustainable development, while ensuring no country is left behind by this process of integration.
Key Quotes
We reject, as Mexico has historically done, trade sanctions and blockades… No to the blockade of Cuba. No to the blockade of Venezuela
Frequently Asked Questions
Claudia Sheinbaum's main goal for CELAC is to achieve greater regional economic integration among Latin American and Caribbean states based on shared prosperity. She believes this unity strengthens the region's ability to articulate shared solutions and address common challenges.
During her speech at the CELAC Summit, Claudia Sheinbaum stated that Mexico rejects trade sanctions and blockades, explicitly calling for an end to the blockades against Cuba and Venezuela. She argued these measures only harm the well-being of the people.
Sheinbaum proposed that CELAC convene a 'Summit for the Economic Wellbeing of Latin America and the Caribbean' to turn greater regional economic integration into reality. This initiative aims to build upon centuries of trade and mutual support in the region.
Sources6
Secretary de la Fuente Urges Stronger Dialogue and International Cooperation at IV China-CELAC Ministerial Meeting
Mexico's Sheinbaum Calls On CELAC To End Blockade Of Cuba And Venezuela
Sheinbaum turns her gaze toward Latin America at CELAC summit in Honduras
Mexico's Sheinbaum Calls on CELAC to End Blockade of Cuba and Venezuela (+Petro)
MEXICAN FOREIGN MINISTER CALLS FOR STRENGTHENING POLITICAL DIALOGUE AT CHINA-CELAC FORUM
*full text* Remarks by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum at CELAC [English translation]
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.