Mexico and Spain Move to Restore Relations After Years of Tension

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez met in Barcelona following a summit of progressive leaders, marking the first visit by a Mexican president to Spain in eight years.

The meeting took place during the In Defence of Democracy summit, which brings together left-wing leaders from around the world to mobilize support against the far right.

Sheinbaum’s visit signals an easing of tensions that arose under her predecessor, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who in 2019 called on Spain to apologize for abuses during the colonial era, a demand Madrid rejected.

“There has been a rapprochement from both the Spanish prime minister and the king, which we appreciate,” Sheinbaum said. She also stressed the importance of acknowledging historical wrongs during the colonization of Latin America.

Spanish Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo described the visit as a “very important and positive signal” for the development of trade and investment ties, particularly in energy, infrastructure and finance.

Sheinbaum said that “there is no diplomatic crisis” between the two countries. Her government has also invited King Philip VI to attend the opening of the World Cup.

(reuters, bak)