Address by Díaz-Canel regarding the current state of relations with the U.S.government

Address by the First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba and President of the Republic, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, regarding the current state of relations with the United States government, during a meeting with members of the Political Bureau, the Secretariat of the Central Committee of the PCC, and the Executive Committee of the Council of Ministers.

In accordance with the consistent policy defended by the Cuban Revolution throughout its history—and led by the Army General as the historical leader of our Revolution and by myself, in consultation with the highest structures of the Party, the State, and the Government—Cuban officials have recently held talks with representatives of the United States government.

These talks have been aimed at seeking solutions through dialogue for the bilateral differences between our two nations. International factors have facilitated these exchanges.

The purpose of this conversation is, first, to identify the bilateral issues that require a solution based on their gravity and impact; and second, to find solutions for the problems that have been identified.

Furthermore, it aims to determine the willingness of both parties to implement actions for the benefit of the people of both countries. In addition to this, the goal is to identify areas of cooperation to address threats and ensure the security and peace of both nations, as well as in the region where we exist: Latin America and the Caribbean.

It must be remembered that it has not been, nor is it, the practice of the leadership of the Cuban Revolution to respond to speculative campaigns on this type of subject. This is a matter being developed as part of a very sensitive process, conducted with seriousness and responsibility, as it affects the bilateral ties between the two nations and demands enormous and high level efforts to find solutions and create spaces of understanding that allow us to reach agreements and move away from confrontation.

In the exchanges that have taken place, we have expressed—the Cuban side has expressed—the will to carry out this process on the basis of equality and respect for the political systems of both states, as well as for the sovereignty and self-determination of our Government. This has been proposed with a sense of reciprocity and adherence to international law.