HAVANA: Cuba has confirmed it has opened talks with the United States as the Caribbean nation grapples with a worsening economic and energy crisis triggered by an oil blockade.
President Miguel Díaz‑Canel said on Friday that Cuban officials recently held discussions with representatives of the US government aimed at addressing long-standing bilateral differences and exploring possible solutions through dialogue.
Speaking in a video broadcast on state television, Díaz-Canel said the negotiations were intended to ease tensions and move relations away from confrontation.
He added that Havana hopes the discussions will proceed on the basis of equality, mutual respect, and recognition of each country’s political system and sovereignty, expressing optimism that dialogue could eventually lead to concrete outcomes benefiting both nations.
During the announcement, Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, grandson of former Cuban leader Raúl Castro and grand-nephew of revolutionary icon Fidel Castro, was seen seated behind the president alongside senior Communist Party officials.
Rodríguez Castro, 41, widely known by the nickname “El Cangrejo” (The Crab), drew attention as he does not currently hold a senior position within the party leadership.
Economic and energy crisis
The talks come as Cuba faces one of the most severe economic crises in recent decades. The country has reportedly gone nearly three months without receiving fuel shipments, leading to widespread electricity outages, soaring prices, and shortages of fuel and medicine.
The energy shortfall has left many residents without electricity for long periods each day, worsening public frustration after years of economic hardship.
The crisis intensified after the administration of Donald Trump moved to cut off Venezuelan oil supplies to Cuba and warned other countries against selling fuel to the island. Washington has also threatened tariffs on nations continuing oil shipments, significantly increasing pressure on Havana.
Trump has recently suggested that Cuba is nearing collapse and should reach an agreement with the United States. Earlier this week, he even hinted at the possibility of a “friendly takeover,” while warning that the situation might not necessarily remain amicable.
Despite the political tensions, many residents in Havana welcomed the news of talks, hoping that improved dialogue could help ease the island’s severe energy shortages and economic difficulties.
Some citizens said they were exhausted by persistent power outages and rising living costs and viewed negotiations with Washington as a potential step toward improving daily life in the country.