Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel acknowledged Friday that his administration recently engaged in diplomatic discussions with the United States, marking the first official confirmation of such negotiations by the Caribbean nation.
The Cuban leader explained that these discussions “were aimed at finding solutions through dialogue to the bilateral differences between our two nations. International factors facilitated these exchanges.”
Díaz-Canel declined to provide specifics about what international factors enabled the diplomatic engagement.
The Cuban president revealed that no oil deliveries have reached the island nation over the last three months, attributing this shortage to what he described as a U.S. energy blockade.
A widespread power outage struck Cuba’s western provinces last week, plunging millions of residents into darkness.
According to Díaz-Canel, while Cuba domestically produces 40% of its petroleum needs, the nation has been relying on its own power generation capabilities, which have proven inadequate to satisfy current energy demands.
The power shortage has disrupted communications, educational services, and transportation systems, forcing authorities to delay surgical procedures for tens of thousands of patients.
“The impact is tremendous,” he stated.
Díaz-Canel explained that the diplomatic discussions focused on identifying “bilateral problems that require solutions based on their severity and impact” and developing approaches to address them.
The president further elaborated that the goal was “to determine the willingness of both parties to take concrete actions for the benefit of the people of both countries. And in addition, to identify areas of cooperation to confront threats and guarantee the security and peace of both nations, as well as in the region.”
Describing the negotiations as a “highly sensitive process,” Díaz-Canel noted that it impacts relations between both nations and “demands enormous and significant efforts to find solutions and create spaces for understanding that will allow us to move away from confrontation.”
He emphasized that Cuba remains prepared to participate in this diplomatic process while maintaining equality and mutual respect for each nation’s political framework and Cuba’s “sovereignty and self-determination.”
Essential oil deliveries from Venezuela ceased following U.S. actions against the South American nation and the arrest of its leadership.
