Mexico's Senate ratified Roberto Velasco as foreign secretary on April 8, replacing Juan Ramón de la Fuente who took health-related leave. The appointment was backed by Morena and allies but opposed by PAN and PRI over Velasco's rejection of a UN report on forced disappearances. Velasco pledged cooperation with international bodies and reaffirmed support for Cuba.
Roberto Velasco, previously subsecretary for North America, was appointed by President Claudia Sheinbaum to replace Juan Ramón de la Fuente at the Secretariat of Foreign Affairs (SRE). De la Fuente requested leave due to health issues, with Sheinbaum stating he will return to the government once recovered.
On April 7, Velasco met with the Senate's Board of Political Coordination, including leaders such as Ignacio Mier (Morena), Ricardo Anaya (PAN), Manuel Añorve (PRI), and Alejandra Barrales (Movimiento Ciudadano). While Movimiento Ciudadano backed the ratification, PAN and PRI voted against. PRI's Alejandro Moreno criticized: “No por tomarnos un café le vamos a dar un cheque en blanco”.
In the Foreign Relations Committee, the approval passed with 17 votes in favor and three against. Velasco defended rejecting the UN Committee Against Forced Disappearances report, clarifying it does not deny families' pain or the work of searching mothers. “Ser críticos o exigentes de una mayor calidad no es desconocer su legitimidad”, he stated, reiterating Mexico's cooperation, including in situ visits.
On U.S. relations, he will maintain a policy of cooperation without negotiating sovereignty amid T-MEC review. He also reaffirmed support for Cuba: “México continuará manifestando su desacuerdo con que las diferencias políticas deriven en la imposición de medidas que afecten a la gente”.
