Colombia lauds Cuba's historic health aid amid US energy blockade

The Colombian government highlighted Cuba’s long‑standing contribution to international health cooperation, noting that Cuban medical missions operate in 36 Latin American and Caribbean countries and involve more than 526,000 collaborators, including around 248,000 doctors. President Gustavo Petro visited Havana in his final official trip, meeting President Miguel Díaz‑Canel and praising the Cuban medical effort while condemning the United States’ energy blockade and recent sanctions. Colombia’s foreign ministry warned that the interruption of fuel supplies has crippled public transport, essential services, air connectivity and tourism, affecting millions of Cubans. Petro called for regional solidarity and dialogue, stressing that the blockade threatens the well‑being of the Cuban people. The statements come as Cuba faces pressure from Washington and as Colombia’s incoming administration, led by right‑wing Abelardo de la Espriella, has signaled a possible break in diplomatic ties.