02.02.2026 23:52
Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernandez de Cossio stated that the claims about the United States starting a negotiation process with Cuba are not true, but they are ready for dialogue. U.S. President Trump had said a few days ago that talks with Cuba had begun.
Cuba's Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernandez de Cossio stated that contrary to the statements of U.S. President Donald Trump, they are not yet in a negotiation process with the Washington administration but are open to dialogue.
Cossio, in an interview with the Associated Press (AP), commented on the recent tensions arising from Trump's new tariff decision regarding Cuba.
THEY DISPUTED TRUMP
Evaluating Trump's statement that they have started talks with Cuba, Cossio said that negotiations are not yet on the table.
On the other hand, Cossio indicated that they are ready to establish informal dialogue with the U.S. on many issues, stating, "If we can establish a dialogue, this may lead to negotiations."
Cossio expressed that Cuba will have some red lines in negotiations, listing these as the country's constitution, economy, and socialist governance system.
"CUBA IS NOT A THREAT TO THE U.S."
Carlos Fernandez de Cossio stated that Cuba is "not a threat to the U.S." and said, "All we want is to establish a relationship with the U.S. as we do with the rest of the world."
Speaking about Cuba's weakening economy in the face of U.S. sanctions and disrupted Venezuelan oil shipments, Cossio expressed that they are in "a very difficult situation."
Cossio said, "Cuba is, of course, preparing itself with creativity, resilience, and seriousness. What will Cuba do? Just watch."
WHAT HAPPENED?
On January 30, Trump signed a presidential decree imposing tariffs on all goods coming from countries that sell or provide oil to Cuba.
The White House argued that the decision aims to protect U.S. national security and foreign policy interests against Cuba's "harmful actions and policies."
Then, in a statement on February 1, Trump noted that they have started talks with Cuba, saying, "I think they will come to us and want to make a deal. Thus, Cuba will be free again."
Trump's statement regarding Cuba came after attempts to cut off oil supplies from Venezuela and Mexico in recent weeks.