Colombian President Gustavo Petro has asked the United States government to change its policy toward Cuba and advocated for dialogue between the two nations.
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 Iván Duque (2018-2022), referring to the inclusion of the Caribbean nation on the list of alleged state sponsors of terrorism, a list drawn up unilaterally by the United States.
I do not agree with the blockade of a country; what is needed is more freedom, not more chains.”
The current blockade against Cuba stemmed from a falsehood spread by Duque: his ignorance of the fact that Cuba lent its territory to help bring peace to Colombia, and that it did so at the request of the Colombian government… https://t.co/Nvq3fB1mLq
— Gustavo Petro (@petrogustavo) February 22, 2026
According to Petro, his predecessor ignored the fact 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.”
The Colombian president also referred to the need for a shift in Cuba’s energy matrix, prioritizing solar power over fossil fuels.
“I invite the United States to change its policy toward Cuba and to launch the solar energy program across the entire island. In Latin America, we can support this by manufacturing the solar panels; Colombia contributes its silica sand and copper. We already produce panels for export if necessary.” he stated.
Furthermore, he called for respectful recognition of each country’s history and emphasized that “dialogue between the United States and Cuba must be restarted.”
Gustavo Petro also expressed that American society should listen more to Cuban music and art. “When hurricanes rage over the island of Martí (José), I listen to ‘Oh Melancholy’ by the Cuban trova poet and singer, Silvio Rodríguez,” he revealed. Petro added that Silvio’s work would resonate strongly in the White House in Washington. “Art and culture unite people; barbarism separates them,” he stressed.
Cuba is experiencing an unprecedented intensification of the economic, financial, and commercial blockade imposed by the United States for over 60 years, which is causing severe harm to its population.
The most recent punitive measure is the attempt to cut off all external fuel supplies to the island, which are vital for its development.
[ SOURCE: PRENSA LATINA ]
