In a message posted on his Twitter account, Petro stated that he disagrees with the blockade of a country, arguing that what is needed is more freedom, not more chains.

He asserted that the current punitive measures against the island stemmed from what he called a “falsehood” committed by his predecessor, former President Ivan Duque (2018-2022), referring to the inclusion of the Caribbean nation on the list of alleged state sponsors of terrorism, a list unilaterally compiled by the United States.

According to him, his predecessor was unaware that Cuba lent its territory to help bring peace to Colombia, and that it did so at the request of the Colombian government during the presidency of Juan Manuel Santos (2010-2018).

“I thank Cuba for its collaboration with Norway for peace in Colombia. Cuba is a jewel in the Caribbean, and its people are cultured and could greatly contribute to humanity with their knowledge and culture,” he stated.

The president also referred to the need for a shift in Cuba’s energy matrix, prioritizing solar power over fossil fuels.

jdt/arm/oda/ifs