### Putin Declines Invitation to Sheinbaum’s Swearing-In Ceremony as President of Mexico
Russian President Vladimir Putin has declined the invitation extended by Mexico’s President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo to attend her inauguration ceremony scheduled for October 1, 2024. The announcement was made by Alexandr Schetinin, Director of the Latin America Department at Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as reported by the RTVI television channel.
Schetinin confirmed that while the invitation was received and appreciated, President Putin had chosen to send a representative in his place to the ceremony. The exact reasons for Putin’s decision were not disclosed, but it was noted that Russia is adhering to existing protocols and the obligations of its leadership.
“President Putin hopes that Sheinbaum’s presidency will promote further constructive cooperation between our countries,” Schetinin conveyed.
Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, the then President-elect, had invited President Putin along with other global leaders as part of her inauguration plans. This invitation comes despite an ongoing legal matter involving President Putin. On March 17, 2023, the International Criminal Court (ICC), backed by the United Nations (UN), issued an arrest warrant against Putin for alleged war crimes, concerning the illegal deportation of children from occupied Ukraine.
The Russian Embassy in Mexico communicated that the invitation to the inauguration was being considered, and it would be decided whether President Putin himself would attend or if a high-ranking official would be appointed as his representative.
### Secondary Article: Global Reactions to Sheinbaum’s Upcoming Inauguration
As Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo prepares to assume the presidency of Mexico, world leaders and prominent figures are responding to their invitations for the inauguration ceremony. Various countries are showing support and willingness to engage diplomatically with Mexico under the new leadership.
**United States:** President Joe Biden has confirmed his attendance, emphasizing the importance of bilateral relations and cooperation on issues such as trade, security, and immigration.
**European Union:** European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed her congratulations and confirmed that a high-ranking EU representative would attend the inauguration. She highlighted the EU’s interest in strengthening ties with Mexico in various sectors, ranging from economic partnerships to environmental initiatives.
**Latin America:** Many Latin American leaders, including Argentina’s President Alberto Fernández and Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, plan to attend the ceremony to show regional solidarity and pursue opportunities for increased collaboration in economic and social issues.
**Asia:** Chinese President Xi Jinping has sent a congratulatory message, indicating China’s eagerness to expand strategic partnerships with Mexico. Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida also confirmed participation through a special envoy to discuss trade and technological cooperation.
The varied responses highlight the global interest in Mexico’s new administration and reflect on its strategic geopolitical importance. These interactions will likely set the stage for future international policies and bilateral agreements under President Sheinbaum’s tenure.