Cuba's Foreign Ministry recently confirmed that a US delegation met with Cuban representatives in Havana. The primary goal of these discussions was to end the oil blockade imposed by the United States. Alejandro Garcia, an official overseeing Cuba-US relations at Cuba's Foreign Ministry, informed Granma newspaper, the official organ of the Communist Party of Cuba, on 20/4 about the meetings.

Garcia detailed that the negotiating teams included assistant secretaries from the US State Department and one Cuban deputy foreign minister. He characterized the discussions as taking place "in a spirit of respect and professionalism."

Washington has not yet confirmed Havana's account of the meetings. If verified, this would mark the first time a US government aircraft has landed in Cuba since 2016, when then-President Barack Obama made a historic visit in an effort to expand bilateral relations.

Alejandro Garcia, an official overseeing Cuba-US relations at Cuba's Foreign Ministry. Photo: Icannapolis.

The confirmation follows reports last week from Axios news agency, which, citing informed sources, stated that officials from the Trump administration held several meetings in Havana on 10/4 with the Cuban side.

Tensions between Cuba and the US have escalated since Washington launched a campaign in January to arrest Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Venezuela has historically been Cuba's main oil supplier.

In recent months, Washington has blocked nearly all oil shipments to the Caribbean island nation. This has led to severe fuel shortages, disrupted transport, and threatened Cuba's energy security. The United Nations has warned of a potential humanitarian crisis if Cuba's energy needs are not consistently met.

Amidst these challenges, a vessel carrying 730,000 barrels of Russian crude oil docked at Matanzas port in Cuba on 31/3, marking the country's first oil shipment since January. The White House stated that the US Coast Guard did not block the Russian vessel, clarifying that such decisions are made on a case-by-case basis to address humanitarian needs. Russia confirmed it had discussed the transport with the US in advance and is preparing for a second vessel.