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In line with its strategy to engage with certain sectors of the diaspora, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Relations of the Havana regime, Carlos Fernández de Cossío, held a meeting with a group of Cubans residing in the United States at the island's embassy in Washington.
During the meeting, from which opposition activists against the dictatorship were excluded, the official addressed the current state and future prospects of relations between both countries. And, as expected, in line with the official discourse, he warned about a possible tightening of sanctions by the U.S. government.
According to the agency Prensa Latina, Fernández de Cossío stated that there is an interest in strengthening the "maximum pressure" policy implemented during Donald Trump's administration (2017-2021) and revived by the current government.
According to the diplomat, some sectors in the U.S. believe that the end of the Cuban regime is near, which he described as a political "intoxication"; an idea they proclaim with great pride despite the systemic crisis affecting the Caribbean country, a piece of land where blackouts, poverty, and worries are the harsh realities of everyday life.
In fact, a similar statement was made just a few days ago by the Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla during his address to the UN Human Rights Council. More of the same despite the hardship faced by families.
A story that is not new
The regime has insisted on attracting investments from emigrants. During the V National Meeting of Cubans Residing in the U.S., held in New York in September 2024, officials from the foreign ministry stated that their proposals would be welcomed, as long as they respected the "sovereignty and unity" of the country.
That event sought to bring together émigrés supportive of the Cuban government and advocates for lifting the embargo, while critical voices of the regime were excluded from the dialogue.
Bruno Rodríguez reaffirms the regime's position at the UN
Days ago, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla reaffirmed in Geneva that the regime does not plan to change its internal policy, despite the severe economic and social crisis facing the island.
Rodríguez blamed the U.S. embargo for the difficulties faced by the Cuban people and reiterated the government's "resistance" to external pressures.
The chancellor's statements reflect the official position of the regime, which insists on attributing the internal crisis to external factors, without acknowledging the structural and governance issues that have exacerbated the situation on the island.
Rising tension
The reinstatement of Cuba on the list of state sponsors of terrorism by the U.S., a measure enacted on Trump's first day in office, continues to shape the relationship between the two nations.
The decision received the support of the current Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, who has advocated for stricter sanctions against the Cuban regime.
Meanwhile, Havana is seeking the support of certain sectors of the Cuban diaspora in the U.S. to counteract sanctions and obtain investments to alleviate its crisis, all while not yielding on its political model and control.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuba-U.S. Relations and the Cuban Regime
Why is the Cuban regime seeking to engage with certain sectors of the diaspora in the U.S.?
The Cuban regime seeks to attract investments from Cuban emigrants that are favorable to the government and support the lifting of the embargo. Oppositional activists are excluded from these approaches, as the regime aims to strengthen its support base and alleviate the economic crisis without compromising its political model.
What is the Cuban regime's stance on U.S. sanctions?
The Cuban regime blames the U.S. embargo for its economic and social difficulties, without acknowledging internal governance issues. This stance remains firm, despite the severe crisis on the island, and reinforces the narrative of resistance against external pressures.
How could a second term for Trump affect relations between Cuba and the U.S.?
A second term for Trump could intensify economic and diplomatic sanctions against Cuba, exacerbating the economic crisis on the island. The measures could include stricter restrictions on trade, remittances, and tourism, further complicating bilateral relations.
What impact does the Cuban Adjustment Act have on Cuban migrants in the U.S.?
The Cuban Adjustment Act allows Cubans to regularize their immigration status in the U.S. after one year of residence in the country, providing them with significant advantages over other migrant groups. This law could protect them from mass deportations in the future, despite a potential tightening of immigration policies.
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