Coordinated by the Brazilian Cooperation Agency of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the operation involves food supplied by the National Supply Company (Conab) to be transported on two Brazilian Air Force flights, both bound for Santiago de Cuba.

The operation was finalized following a meeting on July 9, during which President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva discussed sending humanitarian aid to Cuba with officials such as the Chief of Staff (Minister of the Civil House), Miriam Belchior, and Defense Minister Jose Mucio Monteiro.

The statement noted that Brazil had previously made a humanitarian donation to Cuba in response to the impact of Hurricane Melissa, the effects of which are still being felt in the country’s eastern region, where the city of Santiago de Cuba is located.

Cuba is facing a severe crisis exacerbated by the economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the United States over 60 years ago—a blockade intensified by the Donald Trump administration, which initiated an energy embargo last January that prevents fuel from reaching the island.

Brazilian authorities, including President Lula, have repeatedly expressed the South American giant’s solidarity with the Caribbean nation and have rejected U.S. actions.

Furthermore, various political, social, and solidarity organizations have called on the Brazilian government to increase its support for the island through material aid, including fuel shipments.

jdt/mar