Cuban Foreign Minister Thanks Venezuela and Maduro for Support Against U.S. Measures

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez expressed gratitude today to Venezuela, its people, and President Nicolás Maduro for their solidarity amid what he described as "continued U.S. aggression" against the island nation.

In a post on X, Rodríguez wrote: "We thank President @NicolasMaduro, his government, and the people of #Venezuela for standing with President @DiazCanelB and other Cuban leaders against U.S. attacks and persistent hostilities. #CubaStandsFirm with the support of its brothers."

The statement came after Maduro voiced his backing for Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel following new U.S. sanctions. On Telegram, the Venezuelan leader wrote: "I am certain the Cuban people will continue their struggle. They can count on Venezuela and ALBA-TCP [Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America] to fulfill the dream of Bolívar, Martí, Fidel, and Chávez." He emphasized, "#VenezuelaAlwaysWithCuba!"

On Friday, the U.S. State Department imposed visa restrictions on Díaz-Canel and several high-ranking Cuban officials, including Revolutionary Armed Forces Minister Álvaro López and Interior Minister Lázaro Álvarez, barring them from entering the U.S. for events. The measures also reportedly extend to immediate family members.

Without directly referencing the sanctions, Díaz-Canel responded on X: "What bothers the U.S. about #Cuba is our genuine independence—that transnational corporations don’t rule here, that we provide free healthcare and education, and that we don’t ask permission to condemn crimes like those committed by Israel and the U.S. against Palestinians."

The exchange underscores deepening alliances among leftist Latin American governments amid ongoing tensions with Washington. ALBA-TCP members, including Venezuela and Cuba, have consistently opposed U.S. policies in the region.

This diplomatic friction follows decades of strained U.S.-Cuba relations, with recent measures marking another escalation under the current administration.