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The Panama-flagged cargo ship Asian Katra, carrying Mexican humanitarian aid supplies, enters Havana Bay in Havana, Cuba, on June 7 (local time). / AFP-Yonhap News

Mexico and Belize have delivered humanitarian aid to Cuba, including 1,700 tons of food, as the Caribbean nation faces ongoing U.S. pressure, according to the Los Angeles Times (LAT) and other outlets.

A Panama-flagged cargo ship, the Asian Katra, carrying relief supplies from Mexico and Belize, arrived in Havana Bay on the island nation’s capital on Thursday (local time). The shipment included food, basic necessities and medical supplies.

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel expressed gratitude on social media, saying he deeply appreciated the solidarity and support during difficult times.

He said the aid was organized by government officials, supporters and members of the Cuban diaspora abroad.

Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla described the shipment as an expression of “brotherhood,” saying it was significant for a country “heroically resisting” what he called a harsh U.S. blockade and tightened trade restrictions.

Cuba has been facing worsening energy shortages, blackouts and food insecurity following disruptions in oil shipments linked to U.S. energy restrictions that began earlier this year.

Despite concerns over U.S. pressure, several Latin American countries have continued humanitarian assistance to Cuba while maintaining opposition to the embargo.

Mexico, in particular, has sent aid to Cuba six times, including a joint shipment with Uruguay last month. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has previously said her government does not support the embargo and will continue humanitarian assistance.

Colombia’s presidential cooperation agency also reported earlier this month that it had dispatched a vessel carrying 100,000 tons of relief supplies, including food, to Cuba.

                                                                                                            Kim Hyun-min