The Trump administration has implemented a policy of maximum pressure on Cuba following the January 3 overthrow of Venezuela's socialist president Nicolas Maduro, Cuba's foremost backer. This strategy includes an oil blockade that has aggravated the island's worst economic and energy crisis in decades, leading to warnings of a humanitarian disaster.
Despite these high tensions, the Cuban government confirmed that it recently hosted meetings with U.S. officials on the island. According to Foreign Ministry official Alejandro Garcia, the delegations included U.S. assistant secretaries and Cuba’s deputy foreign minister.
The discussions took place as Washington pushes Havana to open its state-controlled economy. Garcia described the exchange between the two parties as respectful and professional, stating that the talks were devoid of threats.