Cuba’s Leader Signals Willingness to Engage in U.S. Talks

(MENAFN) Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said Sunday that meaningful dialogue with Washington remains possible but fraught, pointing to the deep-rooted history of hostility between the two nations as a formidable obstacle.

In an interview aired on TV, Diaz-Canel signaled Havana's readiness to engage Washington on shared concerns — including migration, drug trafficking, and regional security — but stressed that any such engagement must be grounded in "respect and equality."

The Cuban leader took direct aim at US sanctions policy, arguing that economic restrictions have compounded hardship for ordinary Cubans, most acutely through severe fuel shortages that have crippled daily life on the island. He pushed back sharply against narratives portraying Cuba as teetering on the edge of collapse, while stopping short of dismissing the serious difficulties confronting its population.

Despite the charged atmosphere, Diaz-Canel left the door open for a reset, stressing that Havana remains committed to building a "civilized" and cooperative relationship with Washington — provided the foundation is one of mutual respect rather than pressure and coercion.

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