Claudia Sheinbaum: Cooperation Yes, Intervention No

Morning presidential press conference, Monday, January 5, 2026

I would like to read a statement regarding what happened in Venezuela a few days ago. Although we already issued a statement, I would like to read a more detailed declaration:

Mexico's position on any form of intervention is firm, clear, and historic. In light of the recent developments in Venezuela, in which the United States government carried out a direct intervention that led to the apprehension of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, as well as the loss of human lives, Mexico reaffirms a principle that is not new and admits no ambiguities.

We categorically reject intervention in the internal affairs of other countries.

The history of Latin America is clear and unequivocal: intervention has never brought democracy, never generated well-being or lasting stability.

Only the peoples can build their own future, decide their road forward, exercise sovereignty over their natural resources, and freely define their form of government.

Our position is clearly enshrined in the Mexican Constitution, but it is not just a principle pertaining to Mexico. The United Nations Charter and international law unequivocally establish respect for the sovereignty of states, their territorial integrity, and the right of peoples to self-determination.

Therefore, we clearly and unambiguously affirm that, for Mexico—and so it must be for all Mexicans—national sovereignty and self-determination are not optional or negotiable; they are fundamental principles of international law and must always be respected without exception.

Unilateral action and invasions cannot be the basis of international relations in the 21st century; they lead neither to peace nor to development.

In 1796 George Washington called for displaying good faith and justice toward all nations, cultivating peace and harmony among countries.

The Western Hemisphere faces new challenges: global economic competition, particularly in relation to the growth of the Asian economies, is not established through the use of force to subjugate other nations, but through cooperation for development, productive investment, innovation, education, and social well-being.

We hold that the Western Hemisphere can and must advance toward a new vision, one based on cooperation and not intervention. This implies, concretely:

First. Full and strict respect for the sovereignty and self-determination of peoples. Every nation has the inalienable right to decide its political, economic, and social model without external pressures.

Second. Productive investment oriented toward development in infrastructure, energy, transportation, education, science, and technology. Development is built up.

Third. Regional economic integration based on shared production chains, fair trade, and benefits for all countries in the hemisphere, enabling us to be self-sufficient as a region while competing vis-à-vis the growth in Asian economies.

Fourth. Social well-being as the central axis of development. Economic growth that does not reduce inequalities or poverty cannot be considered true progress.

Fifth. Permanent dialogue among equals. Hemispheric stability is built through understanding, cooperation, and mutual respect.

Mexico firmly believes that the Americas are not the domain of any doctrine or power. The American Hemisphere belongs to the peoples of each of the countries that comprise it.

Lincoln defined democracy as “government of the people, by the people, and for the people.”

Benito Juárez clearly established that “between individuals, as between nations, respect for the rights of others is peace.”

This is the vision we defend and will continue to defend: hemispheric economic integration and cooperation with respect for sovereignty.

In relation to the fight against drug trafficking and organized crime, in recent months, we have established an understanding with the United States based on four principles:

Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Shared and differentiated responsibility.

Mutual respect and trust.

And cooperation, without subordination.

Mexico cooperates with the United States, even for humanitarian reasons, to prevent fentanyl and other drugs from reaching its population, particularly its youth.

As we have said on other occasions: we do not want fentanyl or any drug to be made available to any young person, neither in the United States, nor in Mexico, nor anywhere else in the world. We do this in our actions responsibly and decisively.

For Mexico, the central goal is to reduce violence and build lasting peace with justice in our country.

The results are clear: a 37 percent reduction in intentional homicides, hundreds of tons of various illegal drugs seized, dozens of criminals extradited.

However, it is important to emphasize that when we speak of shared responsibility, respect, and mutual trust, the violence in our country has, among its causes, the illegal entry of high-powered weapons from the United States into Mexico, as well as the serious drug consumption problem in the neighboring country.

By the same token, we have pointed out that groups distributing drugs and laundering money must be firmly combatted both in Mexico and in the United States.

As I have indicated in conversations with President Trump, addressing the root causes is also key. We have even agreed that values, family support, education, and mass communication are indispensable tools to prevent drug use.

Finally, it is necessary to reaffirm that in Mexico, the people are in charge, and we are a free, independent, and sovereign country.

Cooperation, yes; subordination and intervention, no.

This is the position we wanted to make known to you today.