Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel declared on Wednesday that Venezuela can rely on Cuba for anything. He conveyed this assurance to Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil Pinto, who is currently on an official visit to the island. Díaz-Canel emphasized that Cuba will continue its "cooperation with Venezuela as long as you need it."
The Venezuelan minister's visit to Havana comes at a crucial time for his country, with presidential elections scheduled for July 28, in which Nicolás Maduro aims to secure a prolonged tenure, supported by the Cuban regime's intelligence services.
In a Twitter post, Díaz-Canel mentioned that it was "a great pleasure to receive Yván Gil," to whom he extended "a fraternal greeting" for Maduro. "I expressed our unwavering support for the Bolivarian and Chavista Revolution and its civil-military union," the Cuban leader stated.
For his part, the Venezuelan Foreign Minister noted that the purpose of his visit is to review, supervise, and discuss the cooperation agreements between the two countries. He also highlighted the "significant joint challenges to overcome, both in the short and long term," as revealed by the Cuban Presidency's Twitter account.
Maduro's situation remains tense, especially as opposition candidate María Corina Machado continues to enjoy significant popularity despite being disqualified. The Venezuelan regime, often guided by the experience and advice of Cuban counterintelligence, has ramped up political repression in the country.
Meanwhile, Cuba teeters on the brink of collapse, fearing another social uprising due to the fuel crisis, blackouts, and widespread shortages. Havana urgently needs oil from Caracas, but in March, it received only 34,000 barrels per day, significantly below the 2023 average of 56,000 barrels per day.
Although Venezuelan oil exports surged in March to their highest level since 2020, the upcoming elections and increased international demand for crude, amid a temporary lifting of U.S. sanctions on Venezuelan fuel, appear to be impacting shipments to Cuba compared to last year.
Understanding Cuba-Venezuela Relations
Here are some key questions and answers to help understand the complex relationship between Cuba and Venezuela, especially in light of recent developments.
Why is Venezuela's support crucial for Cuba?
Venezuela's support is crucial for Cuba primarily because of the oil shipments that help mitigate Cuba's severe fuel shortages. The island nation relies heavily on this supply to sustain its energy needs.
How does Cuba support Venezuela?
Cuba supports Venezuela by providing intelligence and counterintelligence assistance, which helps the Venezuelan regime maintain control and suppress political opposition.
What impact do Venezuelan elections have on Cuba?
Venezuelan elections significantly impact Cuba, as the outcome can affect the continuity of oil shipments and other forms of support. Political instability in Venezuela could exacerbate Cuba's economic challenges.