Sinan Dogan
17 April 2026•Update: 17 April 2026
A ship carrying humanitarian aid sent by Colombia arrived in Cuba, officials said Thursday.
Colombian Senator Gloria Florez said in a statement to the press that the government would continue supporting Cuba, which is facing difficult times due to a US economic embargo.
“This is how we arrived in Havana with humanitarian aid for the Cuban people. At a time when greed is being imposed, it is now time for integration and solidarity among peoples,” Florez said, emphasizing that Cuba is not alone.
“This contribution is a reflection of the Colombian people’s love and gratitude toward Cuba. Today, Latin America and the Caribbean are more ready than ever to do their best in acts of solidarity.”
Cuba’s Deputy Foreign Minister Josefina Vidal said on the US social media company X’s platform that the aid consisted of medical supplies and food.
“Thank you, Colombian brothers,” she added.
US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Jan. 29 imposing tariffs on all goods coming from countries that sell or supply oil to Cuba.
The White House said the decision aimed to protect US national security and foreign policy interests against Cuba’s “harmful actions and policies.”
On Feb. 1, Trump announced that talks had begun with the Cuban administration on regulating oil supplies, a claim denied by Havana.
The Cuban government had activated an emergency plan to cope without external oil supplies.
