Diplomacy between the two countries chilled in 2019 when Sheinbaum's political mentor, then-president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, wrote a letter to the Spanish crown requesting the recognition of "crimes" committed in the 16th century.Felipe VI never responded, and the Spanish minister of foreign affairs defended the history shared by both countries, rejecting the idea of an apology.The move was the opening salvo to years of diplomatic tensions.The king and the president were photographed shaking hands warmly, and chatted about football and expressed solidarity with Venezuela after two powerful earthquakes killed at least 235 people.Writing on X after the meeting, Sheinbaum said: "We discussed the importance of Indigenous peoples throughout history and the ties between Mexico and Spain. We agreed to strengthen bilateral relations for the benefit of our nations."The Spanish Royal House said after the visit that it "comes in the context of intensification of relations between the two countries."Indeed, things had been tense. Back in 2024, Sheinbaum did not invite the king to her inauguration. Spain then declined to send a representative to the ceremony.But both parties have taken positive steps over the past year to organize Felipe's official trip and "reinforce the closeness and affinity that tie both people together," according to the Spanish Royal House. The king visited Sheinbaum in Mexico City while en route to Guadalajara, where Spain will play against Uruguay in the group phase of the World Cup.