The Government of Cuba has confirmed that discussions have taken place with the United States, marking the first official acknowledgment from Havana that talks are underway between the two countries.
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel disclosed the development during remarks broadcast on national television on Friday, saying the discussions were aimed at addressing longstanding bilateral issues.
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“There are international factors that have facilitated these talks,” Díaz-Canel said in the televised statement, noting that the objective is to identify and potentially resolve disputes between the two nations.
Leadership Involvement in Negotiations
According to Díaz-Canel, the Cuban delegation involved in the discussions includes himself, former Cuban president Raúl Castro, and several members of the ruling Communist Party of Cuba.
He did not specify which representatives participated on behalf of the United States.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump appeared to confirm the development by sharing a report about the talks on his Truth Social account.
A White House official told CNN that the United States was engaged in discussions with Cuban officials and that Washington believed an agreement could be reached relatively easily.
Talks Follow Months of Indirect Contact
Although U.S. officials had previously suggested that talks were occurring, this is the first time Cuban authorities have publicly confirmed direct discussions.
Last month, Cuba’s deputy foreign minister indicated that both sides had exchanged messages but had not yet established a formal bilateral dialogue.
Díaz-Canel described the ongoing process as highly sensitive and said it is being handled carefully.
“This is a very sensitive process that is being approached with responsibility and great sensitivity,” he said.
Economic Crisis and Energy Shortages
The talks come as Cuba faces a severe economic crisis, intensified by disruptions to its energy supply.
Following the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro earlier this year in a U.S. operation, Washington halted Venezuelan oil shipments to Cuba and warned other countries against exporting crude oil to the island.
The move has worsened existing fuel shortages and contributed to frequent power outages across the country.
Díaz-Canel said no fuel shipments have reached Cuba for the past three months, placing significant strain on the national power grid and deepening public hardship.
“The impact is tremendous,” he said, noting that energy shortages are causing widespread concern among the population.
Healthcare and Public Services Affected
The Cuban president also said the ongoing energy crisis has had a severe impact on healthcare services.
According to Díaz-Canel, tens of thousands of medical procedures are currently delayed due to electricity shortages affecting hospitals and surgical facilities.
Security Incident Under Investigation
During the press conference, Díaz-Canel also addressed a recent maritime incident involving a speedboat entering Cuban waters.
Cuban authorities fatally shot five individuals on board the vessel, including an American citizen, after accusing the group of attempting to carry out a terrorist operation.
The Cuban government has stated that the individuals were heavily armed and intended to attack military and social facilities.
Díaz-Canel said authorities have shared information about the incident with U.S. officials and indicated that the Federal Bureau of Investigation may visit the island to assist in the investigation.
Additional Figures Present
Also present during Díaz-Canel’s televised remarks was Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, who is widely known by the nickname “El Cangrejo” or “The Crab.”
Officials said further discussions between the two countries may continue as both governments assess whether progress toward an agreement is possible.
