Overview
- At the March 21 high‑level CELAC–Africa forum in Bogotá, Brazil’s Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva denounced recent U.S. actions toward Cuba and Venezuela as “not democratic” and warned against a return to “colonisation.”
- Colombian President Gustavo Petro questioned the United Nations’ relevance, saying it “cannot prevent wars” and suggesting some may argue it “no longer serves,” citing ongoing conflicts.
- Cuban foreign minister Bruno Rodríguez said Havana is ready for a “serious and responsible” dialogue with the United States provided there is no interference in internal affairs, stressing that Cuba’s political system and offices are not up for negotiation.
- Mexico’s foreign minister Juan Ramón de la Fuente called for decisively strengthening multilateralism and reaffirmed principles of non‑intervention, self‑determination and the peaceful settlement of disputes.
- The gathering amplified calls for South–South cooperation but also underscored regional fragmentation, with relatively few heads of state in attendance according to reporting.