Mexico Foreign Minister Roberto Velasco on Spanish Conquest and historical abuses, Digi Mart USA News (Madrid): Mexico’s Foreign Minister Roberto Velasco has said the Spanish Conquest is “always a sensitive topic” for Mexico, because many indigenous communities and peoples remain alive in the country. He warned that “those who want to deny the abuses are denying history.”
“One could think it is a matter of 500 years ago, but the reality is that these communities are part of what Mexico is today and of our social fabric, and we are very proud of these peoples, who are part of our greatness, not only historical but also present,” the minister said in an interview with Europa Press during his visit to Madrid for the 30th Ibero-American Summit.
Velasco stressed the importance of “reflecting the light and shadows in this history, which also brought great suffering.” He welcomed the recognition given by King Felipe VI in March, when he acknowledged that there was “a lot of abuse” during the Conquest of America.
“I think it is a great step that we can have that recognition between the two countries. Those who want to deny it are simply denying history and reality, but above all they are denying a legitimate right of people who exist today in Mexico, in Latin America and in Ibero-America,” he said.
Velasco described relations with Spain as being at an “extraordinary moment” and a “excellent chapter.” He said there is good understanding between President Claudia Sheinbaum and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, and that work is underway on historical memory as well as economic relations and other shared priorities.
On his meeting with Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares, Velasco said the two discussed a cooperation agenda covering humanitarian cooperation regarding Cuba and the future ratification of the modernized global agreement between Mexico and the European Union. They also addressed labor, technology, artificial intelligence and cultural issues.
Asked about Spain’s general elections scheduled for November 29, Velasco said Mexico is “respectful” and prefers “not to give an opinion in advance,” adding that Mexico would follow the process and comment afterward.
The minister also praised the 30th Ibero-American Summit in Madrid as “respectful” and “successful,” citing agreements on student exchange, disaster prevention and artificial intelligence. He acknowledged “deep political and ideological differences” among the 22 participating countries but said dialogue was the important outcome.
Asked about the U.S. midterm elections held on November 3, which the publisher reports cost the Republican Party control of Congress, Velasco said he was waiting to see the decisions the government in Washington takes.
“I cannot speak for the United States,” he said, while noting that new figures have emerged, including two governors of Mexican descent in border states: Gina Hinojosa in Texas and Xavier Becerra, governor-elect of California, both children of Mexican-origin parents.
