Relations between Mexico and Spain have been marked by a major diplomatic crisis in recent years due to historical disputes over the colonial past. In particular, a letter sent in 2019 by then-Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador to King Felipe VI of Spain, which called for an apology and historical reckoning regarding the treatment of indigenous peoples during the Spanish conquest, marked a serious turning point in relations between the two countries. The Spanish government’s failure to respond positively to this request initiated a prolonged period of diplomatic chill.
This process is not viewed merely as a disagreement over historical memory. From Mexico’s perspective, the colonial era and the historical legacy of indigenous communities constitute one of the fundamental elements of national identity. Within this framework, the López Obrador administration has argued that relations with Spain must be redefined based on an egalitarian understanding of history. However, the Madrid administration has adopted the view that it is not an appropriate approach to conduct current diplomatic relations based on demands for official apologies regarding historical events that took place five centuries ago. These differing interpretations of history have led to an increase in diplomatic distance between the two countries.
One of the most visible consequences of the tension has been the political rhetoric calling for a “suspension” or a “break” in Mexico’s relations with Spain during the López Obrador administration.[i] During this period, high-level political contacts were limited, the number of reciprocal visits decreased, and although relations between the two countries remained strong from an economic and commercial standpoint, a noticeable distance emerged at the political level. In particular, while Spain remains one of Mexico’s most important partners within the European Union, Mexico has also retained its status as one of the most important investment hubs in Latin America for Spanish companies. For this reason, the crisis has not turned into a long-term rift that runs counter to the strategic interests of both countries.
With the election of Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, a more pragmatic and dialogue-focused approach to bilateral relations has begun to emerge. Although Sheinbaum continued the previous administration’s historical sensitivities by not inviting King Felipe VI to her inauguration ceremony when she took office, communication channels between the two countries have since been reopened. This shift is rooted in the desire of both sides to prioritize areas of cooperation in line with current international conditions, rather than seeking to completely resolve their differences regarding the past.
During this normalization process, cultural diplomacy has emerged as a key tool. Cultural events, museum exhibitions, book fairs, and mutual artistic collaborations have created a space for dialogue between the two countries, separate from direct political debates. In particular, exhibitions held in Madrid that focused on Mexico’s indigenous cultures have contributed to the establishment of a new climate of trust between the two sides. During this process, King Felipe VI’s statements regarding the “abuses” and suffering that occurred during the Spanish conquest were viewed by Mexico as a significant gesture of rapprochement.[ii]
Since then, diplomatic contacts have become more visible. Sheinbaum’s invitation to King Felipe VI to attend the Spanish national team’s first match in Guadalajara as part of the World Cup to be held in Mexico, followed by her offer of a bilateral meeting, marks a symbolic high point in the normalization of relations. Although this meeting, to be held in accordance with state protocol, is expected to be brief, its political significance is considerable. This is because the contact is interpreted as a sign that the diplomatic estrangement that began in 2019 has officially come to an end.
Behind this rapprochement, achieved through cultural diplomacy, lies the changing international political landscape. In particular, the Trump administration’s adoption of a tougher and more interventionist foreign policy approach in the United States has prompted governments, such as those in Mexico and Spain, which position themselves as supportive of progressive or multilateral diplomacy, to pursue greater cooperation.
Sheinbaum’s visit to Spain and her participation in the summit in Barcelona, held under the theme of defending democracy, have been one of the key indicators of this new political rapprochement. This visit also holds symbolic importance as the first official visit to Europe by a Morena leader. From Spain’s perspective, strengthening relations with Mexico is not merely about mending ties with its former colony, it is also seen as part of a strategy to build a stronger political bridge between Latin America and Europe.
In this context, the summit that Madrid plans to host in November, which aims to strengthen the role of the Ibero-American community within the international system, is also gaining importance. Spain seeks to enhance political coordination among Spanish-speaking countries, particularly in response to Washington’s increasingly unilateral policies. The positioning of Mexico as an active partner in this process demonstrates that the rapprochement between the two countries is not merely a resolution of a past dispute, but reflects a search for a strategic partnership for the future.
The visits to Latin America by Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares have also been a key part of this diplomatic shift. Albares had previously attempted to revive relations with Mexico, which had deteriorated in 2022, but the expected progress could not be achieved due to the López Obrador administration’s approach of “freezing” relations. In contrast, during Sheinbaum’s tenure, the same diplomatic initiatives were met with a more positive atmosphere, and new channels of communication were established, particularly in the cultural sphere.
The normalization process between Mexico and Spain demonstrates that historical disputes in international relations are not always resolved through a definitive settlement. Although the parties still hold differing views on historical interpretations of the conquest era, they are working to ensure that these differences no longer serve as a defining factor in their bilateral relations. Areas such as culture, sports, and shared historical heritage are being used as mechanisms to ease diplomatic crises.
Ultimately, the high-level meeting between Mexico and Spain does not mean that the two countries have completely put their historical disputes behind them. However, this engagement is seen as the strongest symbol of the transition to a new model of relations following a five-year period of diplomatic chill. This process, described as a “thaw,” demonstrates how cultural diplomacy can become an effective tool in international relations. At the same time, the new rapprochement between Madrid and Mexico City is emerging as a key component of the quest for progressive and multilateral cooperation between Europe and Latin America within the global political landscape reshaped by Trump.
[i] Pérez, David Marcial. “El ‘paso importante’ que sella el deshielo entre España y México”,El País, https://elpais.com/mexico/2026-06-21/el-paso-importante-que-sella-el-deshielo-entre-espana-y-mexico.html, (Date of Access:28.06.2026).
[ii] Ibid.
