Cuban Leader Confirms Talks with Trump Administration

Díaz-Canel says discussions aim to find solutions through dialogue to bilateral differences.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 11:34am

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Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel confirmed on Friday that his government is engaged in talks with representatives of the United States government. He said the discussions are aimed at finding solutions through dialogue to the bilateral differences between the two nations.

Why it matters

The acknowledgment of high-level talks between Cuba and the Trump administration marks a significant shift in the relationship between the two countries, which has been marked by confrontation in recent years. The discussions could pave the way for a thaw in relations and potential cooperation on regional issues.

The details

Díaz-Canel said the talks have been focused on identifying bilateral problems that require solutions and finding ways for both sides to take concrete actions for the benefit of the people of both countries. He added that the discussions also seek to identify areas of potential cooperation to confront threats and guarantee security and peace in the Latin American and Caribbean region.

  • On March 13, 2026, Díaz-Canel confirmed the ongoing talks during a government meeting aired on state television.

The players

Miguel Díaz-Canel

The current President of Cuba, who has confirmed the existence of talks between the Cuban government and the Trump administration.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States, whose administration has been engaged in the talks with Cuba according to Díaz-Canel's statements.

Marco Rubio

The U.S. Secretary of State, whose advisers reportedly met with Raúl Castro's grandson in Saint Kitts last month as part of the discussions between the two countries.

Raúl Guillermo Rodriguez Castro

Raúl Castro's grandson, who met with Secretary of State Rubio's advisers in Saint Kitts as part of the ongoing talks between Cuba and the United States.

Mario Díaz-Balart

A U.S. Representative who stated that the Trump administration has been having conversations with several people in Raúl Castro's close circle, similar to discussions held with Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro.

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What they’re saying

“These talks have been aimed at finding solutions through dialogue to the bilateral differences between our two nations. International factors have facilitated these exchanges.”

— Miguel Díaz-Canel, President of Cuba

“It is important to remember that it has not been, nor is it now, the practice of the leadership of the Cuban Revolution to respond to speculative campaigns on these types of issues.”

— Miguel Díaz-Canel, President of Cuba

What’s next

Díaz-Canel is expected to deliver further remarks during a press conference in Havana on March 13, 2026 at 7:30 am.

The takeaway

The acknowledgment of high-level talks between Cuba and the Trump administration represents a significant shift in the relationship between the two countries, which have been at odds in recent years. The discussions could pave the way for a thaw in relations and potential cooperation on regional issues, though the ultimate outcome remains to be seen.