US President Donald Trump's aggressive stance on Cuba has raised tensions between the two nations, but Havana remains committed to dialogue. However, according to Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel, Cuba is willing to engage in talks, but not under pressure or preconditions.
Cuba sees itself as a sovereign nation with its own interests and values, and it will not be dictated to by external forces. "We are willing to talk about any topic," Diaz-Canel stated, "but we do so from a position of equals, respecting our sovereignty, independence, and self-determination."
The US has made no secret of its desire for regime change in Cuba, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a Miami-born son of Cuban immigrants, at the forefront of this effort. Trump's administration has imposed severe sanctions on the island nation, cutting off much-needed oil supplies from Venezuela.
However, Cuba is not isolated, and other nations have offered support. Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum said her country was using diplomatic channels to secure crude shipments to Cuba, despite the risk of US tariffs.
Cuba's economic crisis, exacerbated by US sanctions, has left the island struggling with fuel shortages, power outages, and food scarcity. The US response, including the provision of $6 million in direct aid through the Catholic Church, is seen as a mix of relief and pressure tactics.
In this delicate situation, Cuba is emphasizing its commitment to greener energy and reducing reliance on foreign oil. Diaz-Canel sees the international community's attention on his country's crisis as an opportunity for Cuba to highlight its efforts towards sustainability.
Cuba will not be intimidated or coerced into concessions that undermine its sovereignty. The nation remains determined to engage in dialogue with the US, but on its own terms and without external pressure.
Cuba sees itself as a sovereign nation with its own interests and values, and it will not be dictated to by external forces. "We are willing to talk about any topic," Diaz-Canel stated, "but we do so from a position of equals, respecting our sovereignty, independence, and self-determination."
The US has made no secret of its desire for regime change in Cuba, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a Miami-born son of Cuban immigrants, at the forefront of this effort. Trump's administration has imposed severe sanctions on the island nation, cutting off much-needed oil supplies from Venezuela.
However, Cuba is not isolated, and other nations have offered support. Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum said her country was using diplomatic channels to secure crude shipments to Cuba, despite the risk of US tariffs.
Cuba's economic crisis, exacerbated by US sanctions, has left the island struggling with fuel shortages, power outages, and food scarcity. The US response, including the provision of $6 million in direct aid through the Catholic Church, is seen as a mix of relief and pressure tactics.
In this delicate situation, Cuba is emphasizing its commitment to greener energy and reducing reliance on foreign oil. Diaz-Canel sees the international community's attention on his country's crisis as an opportunity for Cuba to highlight its efforts towards sustainability.
Cuba will not be intimidated or coerced into concessions that undermine its sovereignty. The nation remains determined to engage in dialogue with the US, but on its own terms and without external pressure.