Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has stated there was no diplomatic crisis with Spain after years of frosty relations over the conquest of the Central American nation.
There is no diplomatic crisis. There never has been. What is very important is that we recognise the strength of our country's indigenous peoples, she said upon her arrival at a summit of left-leaning leaders in Barcelona on Saturday.
Spain's colonisation of Mexico has grown contentious in recent years, leading to calls for an apology and an apparent diplomatic snub.
The summit, focusing on rising illiberalism, coincides with a rally by far-right leaders in Italy against immigration and EU policies.
Sheinbaum's comments came just before meeting Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who refrained from commenting on the state of relations between the two nations. However, Spain's economy minister remarked that Sheinbaum's presence was a very important and positive sign of a rapprochement between the two countries. This marks the first visit by a Mexican president to Spain in eight years.
Relations soured in 2019 when Sheinbaum's predecessor demanded Spain apologize for human rights violations during its conquest. Spanish conquistadors notoriously dismantled the Aztec empire in the 16th century through both violence and disease.
When these demands went unanswered, Sheinbaum didn't invite Spain's King Felipe VI to her inauguration in 2024, leading Spain to withdraw its representation from the event as well.
Signs of thawing relations emerged recently, with King Felipe acknowledging previous abuse during the conquest, marking a rare acknowledgment from a Spanish monarch of the colonial era's injustices.
Sheinbaum had previously invited him to the upcoming FIFA World Cup, suggesting the sporting event could strengthen ties. She emphasized the importance of these historical ties in contemporary discussions.
Spain's Foreign Minister had also recently recognized the historical pain and injustice shared by both nations.
As the summit in Spain addressed democracy and multilateralism under threat, contrasting political climates were evident as far-right political leaders held rallies in Italy.
