U.S. And Cuba Hold First Talks In 10 Years
- 18.04.2026, 12:44
Among the participants was Raul Castro's grandson.
The US and Cuba held their first official high-level talks in a decade. The meeting took place in Havana and signaled a possible diplomatic shift between the countries.
The parties discussed the economic situation on the island, freedoms and security issues. This is reported by Axios.
In particular, representatives of the U.S. State Department held a meeting with Cuban officials in Havana. Among the participants in the talks was Raul Guillermo Rodriguez Castro, the grandson of former Cuban leader Raul Castro.
During the talks, the U.S. side urged Cuban authorities to adhere to democratic principles, expand economic freedoms and not ignore signals from the United States. Washington also offered assistance in restoring Internet connectivity on the island, in particular by deploying the Starlink satellite system.
The meeting itself was the first such event in a decade and symbolizes a certain diplomatic breakthrough. The last time such a level of contacts was recorded was during the visit of Barack Obama to Cuba.
At the same time, U.S. officials noted the difficult economic situation in the country. They assessed that Cuba's economy is in a precipitous decline and the government has limited time to implement reforms with U.S. support.
"The Cuban economy is in free fall and the ruling elite has a short window of time to make key changes," a State Department official said.
The U.S. also reiterated its long-standing conditions regarding possible sanctions relief. At issue is the need to compensate U.S. citizens and companies for property confiscated after the 1959 revolution, release political prisoners and ensure broader political rights for the population, including free elections.
Separately, the U.S. side expressed concern over the activities of foreign intelligence, military and possible terrorist entities in Cuba that could pose a threat to the United States.
Washington also made clear that the current