Cuba in talks with representatives of the United States: Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez

Image via the PCC

By Alina Perera Robbio, translated from the Spanish

In line with the consistent policy upheld throughout its history by the Cuban Revolution, under the leadership of Army General Raúl Castro Ruz and the First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party and President of the Republic, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, and in coordination with the highest structures of the Party, State, and Government, Cuban officials have recently engaged in discussions with representatives of the United States government.

President Díaz-Canel Bermúdez reported this from the headquarters of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba, and before members of the Political Bureau, the Secretariat of the Central Committee of the Communist Party, and the Executive Committee of the Council of Ministers.

The president stated that "these talks have been aimed at seeking solutions, through dialogue, to the bilateral differences that we have between the two nations. There are international factors that have facilitated these exchanges."

"The purpose of these talks," he added, "is, first of all, to identify what are the bilateral problems that need a solution."

According to the president, the purpose also includes "assessing the willingness of both parties to undertake actions that benefit the peoples of both countries. Furthermore, it involves identifying areas of cooperation to address threats and ensure the security and peace of both nations."

The First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba also explained that the objectives include working for security and peace in Latin America and the Caribbean.

In his speech, Díaz-Canel stressed: "It must be remembered that it has not been and is not the practice of the leadership of the Cuban Revolution to respond to speculation on this type of issue. This is an issue that is being developed as part of a very sensitive process, which is being conducted seriously and responsibly, because it affects the bilateral ties between the two nations and demands enormous and arduous efforts to find a solution and to create spaces for understanding, which will allow us to move forward and move away from confrontation."

Further he said that "in the exchanges that have been held, the Cuban side has expressed a willingness to carry out this process, on the basis of equality and respect for the political systems of both States, sovereignty, and the self-determination of our governments."

"And this has been addressed with consideration for reciprocity and compliance with International Law.," he said at a meeting that was also led by Esteban Lazo Hernández, President of the National Assembly of People's Power and the Council of State; Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz; Roberto Morales Ojeda, Secretary of Organization of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba; and Vice President of the Republic Salvador Valdés Mesa – all of whom are members of the Political Bureau.

The Cuban President also noted that during tense times, like the current confrontation with the United States government, individuals and institutions have emerged to help establish channels that enable dialogue.

The president noted that "during these times of intense tension, opportunities have also arisen" to establish spaces for understanding.

This work has been translated and shared via a License CC-BY-NC