President of Cuba, Miguel Díaz-Canel, has reaffirmed his country’s readiness to engage in dialogue with the United States to address longstanding bilateral disputes, while stressing that any engagement must be based on equality, mutual respect and full recognition of national sovereignty.
Díaz-Canel made the remarks on Friday during a high-level meeting in Havana involving members of the Political Bureau, the Secretariat of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba and the Executive Committee of the Council of Ministers of Cuba.
The Cuban leader disclosed that officials from both countries have recently held discussions aimed at easing tensions and identifying practical solutions to key issues affecting relations between Havana and Washington.
According to him, the talks are consistent with the diplomatic approach that has guided the Cuban Revolution—an approach that supports dialogue while firmly defending the island’s independence and political system.
Díaz-Canel explained that the discussions were designed to examine areas of disagreement between the two nations and explore possible pathways for resolving them through negotiation. He added that the exchanges also seek to determine whether both governments are prepared to take concrete steps that could improve relations and deliver tangible benefits to their citizens.
He further noted that the engagement aims to identify potential areas of cooperation, particularly in addressing shared challenges affecting regional security and stability across Latin America and the Caribbean.
The president cautioned against speculation surrounding the talks, emphasizing that the Cuban leadership traditionally refrains from responding to public conjecture regarding sensitive diplomatic processes.
“This is a complex and delicate process that must be handled with seriousness and responsibility,” Díaz-Canel said, adding that rebuilding understanding between the two countries would require sustained effort and careful diplomacy.
He reiterated that the Cuban government maintains that any progress in relations must be based on strict adherence to international law, reciprocity and respect for the sovereignty and self-determination of the Cuban state.
Relations between Havana and Washington have long been marked by political tension and ideological differences. However, the latest engagement signals a cautious attempt by both sides to reopen diplomatic channels and potentially chart a less confrontational path forward.
