Diplomatic talks between Cuba and the United States have stalled, with Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez saying there has been "no progress" despite contacts between officials from both countries earlier this year.
Speaking at a press conference in Havana covered by Reuters, Rodríguez said the meetings have failed to produce any meaningful breakthroughs and accused Washington of pairing diplomatic engagement with new sanctions and continued pressure on the communist-run island.
"I can tell you that I see no progress," Rodríguez said, adding that although U.S. delegations have generally conducted themselves respectfully during the meetings, they have simultaneously accompanied the talks with "constant threats," coercive measures and statements challenging Cuba's sovereignty.
Despite his criticism, the Cuban foreign minister insisted Havana remains willing to continue dialogue if it is based on mutual respect, equality and noninterference in each country's internal affairs.
The remarks come as relations between the two longtime adversaries remain tense under President Donald Trump's administration. Since taking office, Trump has expanded sanctions against Cuba, including restrictions targeting the island's energy sector and additional penalties on President Miguel Díaz-Canel, senior government officials and several state-linked companies.
Rodríguez argued those measures have deepened Cuba's economic crisis, which has been marked by prolonged blackouts, fuel shortages, food and medicine scarcity, transportation disruptions and an exodus of migrants from the island. He accused the United States of using sanctions to force political change in Cuba, while Washington has maintained that the measures are intended to pressure the Cuban government over human rights and democratic reforms.
The Cuban minister also rejected suggestions that Havana's recently approved package of 176 economic reforms was influenced by U.S. pressure. The reforms, considered the most significant changes to Cuba's socialist economic model in decades, expand opportunities for private businesses, authorize private banks and allow greater investment by Cubans living abroad. Rodríguez said the measures were adopted solely as a matter of Cuban sovereignty.
In addition to discussing bilateral relations, Rodríguez announced that the United Nations General Assembly is scheduled to hold a debate on July 7 over the U.S. energy embargo imposed earlier this year. He accused Washington of attempting to pressure other member states into delaying the discussion, an allegation the U.S. government has not publicly addressed.
The U.S. State Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Rodríguez's latest statements, according to Reuters and the Associated Press.
Although diplomatic channels remain open, Rodríguez's comments underscore the lack of momentum in efforts to improve relations between the two countries, leaving little indication that longstanding disputes over sanctions, political freedoms and economic policy will be resolved in the near future
