Cuba’s president says he has recently held talks with the US to resolve differences

Havana — Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said Friday that his government had held recent talks with the U.S., the first time the Caribbean country has confirmed such speculation.

He said the talks were “aimed at finding negotiated solutions to bilateral differences between our two nations. International factors facilitated this exchange.”

He did not explain those points.

Diaz-Canel said no petroleum shipments have arrived on the island in the past three months, which he blamed on the US energy blockade.

Cuba’s western region was hit by a massive blackout last week, leaving millions without power.

Cuba, which produces 40% of its petroleum, is producing its own energy but not enough to meet demand, he said.

He said the lack of power has affected communication, education and transport, forcing the government to postpone surgery for tens of thousands of people.

“The effect is amazing,” he said.

Díaz-Canel said the purpose of the talks was to identify “bilateral issues that require solutions based on their severity and impact” and find solutions to them.

“Determining the willingness of both parties to take concrete steps for the benefit of the people of both countries. Also, identifying areas of cooperation to counter threats and ensure security and peace of both countries, as well as in the region,” the president said.

Díaz-Canel called it “a very delicate process” because it affects the bilateral relations of both countries and “requires enormous and significant efforts to create spaces for understanding that allow us to find solutions and move away from conflict.”

He noted that Cuba is ready to undertake a process based on equality and respect for countries’ political systems and for Cuba’s “sovereignty and self-determination.”

Crucial oil shipments from Venezuela were halted after the US attacked the South American country and arrested its leader.

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Reported as Coto San Jose, Costa Rica.