Remarks by Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba and President of the Republic, on the current state of relations with the United States government, during a meeting with members of the Political Bureau, the Secretariat of the Central Committee of the PCC, and the Executive Committee of the Council of Ministers.
“In accordance with the consistent policy that the Cuban Revolution has upheld throughout its history, and under the guidance of the Army General as the historic leader of our Revolution and myself, and in consultation with the highest leadership of the Party, the State, and the Government, Cuban officials have recently held talks with representatives of the United States government.
These talks have been aimed at seeking solutions through dialogue to the bilateral differences between our two nations. There are international factors that have facilitated these exchanges.
The purpose of these talks is, first, to identify the bilateral problems that require a solution based on their severity and impact, and second, to find solutions to the problems that have been identified.
Furthermore, we must determine the willingness of both parties to take concrete actions for the benefit of the peoples of both countries. In addition, we must identify areas of cooperation to address threats and ensure the security and peace of both nations, as well as in the region where we live—that is, Latin America and the Caribbean.
It should be remembered that it has never been, nor is it now, the practice of the leadership of the Cuban Revolution to respond to speculative campaigns on this type of issue. This is a matter that is unfolding as part of a highly sensitive process being conducted with seriousness and responsibility, because it affects bilateral relations between the two nations and requires enormous and sustained efforts to find solutions and create opportunities for understanding that will allow us to move toward—and away from—confrontation.
In the exchanges that have taken place, we—the Cuban side—have expressed our willingness to carry out this process on the basis of equality and respect for the political systems of both states, as well as for the sovereignty and self-determination of our government. And this has been proposed with a sense of reciprocity and adherence to international law.