Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has confirmed that officials from his government have held talks with the Trump administration, aiming to resolve bilateral differences. The announcement came on Friday as Cuba faces a severe fuel blockade imposed by the US and frequent power outages.
In a prerecorded statement to senior Communist officials, Díaz-Canel said the negotiations were intended to find solutions through dialogue. He noted that similar efforts were made during tense periods in relations with the United States, citing talks with former President Barack Obama as an example.
The talks come amid a US oil blockade that has prevented fuel from entering Cuba for three months, following an executive order by President Donald Trump. Trump has repeatedly called for regime change in Havana, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also advocated for a change in government.
Díaz-Canel provided few details beyond efforts to boost domestic oil production and maintain the electricity grid. The announcement coincided with news that Cuba will release 51 prisoners under an agreement with the Vatican, though the names have not yet been disclosed.
Analysts noted the presence of Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, grandson of former President Raúl Castro, during the statement, suggesting a show of unity. Carlos Alzugaray, former Cuban ambassador to the EU, said this countered US narratives of a government in panic or internal divisions.
