Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel confirmed that officials from his government have held conversations with United States representatives to address bilateral differences. The discussions aim to seek solutions through dialogue and evaluate both sides' willingness to take actions benefiting their peoples. The announcement came during a Central Committee of the Communist Party meeting and in a national address.
Miguel Díaz-Canel, Cuba's appointed president, confirmed on March 12 during a Central Committee of the Communist Party meeting, and again on March 13 in a national address, that Cuban officials have recently held conversations with United States government representatives. According to Díaz-Canel, these exchanges—which U.S. President Donald Trump had mentioned several times but which Havana had denied—aim to seek solutions to bilateral differences through dialogue.
The Cuban leader stated that certain international intermediaries have facilitated these contacts, with the goal of identifying bilateral problems requiring solutions and exploring ways to resolve them. The conversations also evaluate both sides' willingness to carry out actions for the benefit of the peoples of Cuba and the United States, as well as areas of cooperation to confront common threats and ensure security and peace in the Latin American and Caribbean region. However, Díaz-Canel did not specify which issues are on the negotiating table.
Díaz-Canel reiterated that the Cuban Revolution does not respond to speculative campaigns on such matters, an apparent reference to reports from U.S. media and independent Cuban outlets about alleged contacts between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro—the grandson and chief of security for Raúl Castro. Rodríguez Castro made a rare television appearance during the party meeting and at the March 13 press conference.
On the night of March 12, the Cuban government announced the release of 51 prisoners who have served a significant portion of their sentences and maintained good behavior. The statement does not refer to the more than 1,000 political prisoners that human rights organizations say remain incarcerated on the island. Díaz-Canel asserted that the decision was sovereign and not conditioned by any negotiation.
Exactly 43 days have passed since the Trump administration declared a national emergency related to Cuba, a measure limiting fuel supplies from allies and worsening the island's energy and economic crisis, with long blackouts and difficulties in transportation and production. This economic pressure appears to be part of Washington's strategy, pushed by Trump and Rubio, who has reportedly led contacts for weeks with figures close to power in Havana, including the Castro family's inner circle.
At the press conference broadcast nationwide, Díaz-Canel discussed the energy situation but did not comment on when fuel would arrive or whether it was part of the U.S. talks. Instead, he explained details about batteries in solar parks, electric cars, and the distribution of solar panels to selected state workers. It was mentioned that on March 16, 2026, measures will be announced to ease bureaucratic procedures for Cuban emigrants, particularly those wishing to participate in the country's economic life.
