Ending the energy embargo was a Cuban priority in the negotiations; US asked for compensation for 1959 assets
O confirmed this Monday (April 20, 2026) that North American and Cuban representatives met in Havana. Alejandro Garcia del Toro, responsible for US affairs at the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs, disclosed the information in an interview with . The meeting was held on Friday (April 17, 2026).
Deputy officials from the US State Department and Cuban representatives participated in the meeting. The North American digital newspaper had reported that the negotiations involved Raul Guillermo Rodriguez Castro, grandson of former Cuban president Raul Castro – who, at 94 years old, still exerts great influence in the country.
According to the report, US officials presented demands related to the US’s long-standing policy on the embargo on Cuba. The demands include compensation for goods and properties confiscated after the Revolution of 1959the release of political prisoners and the guarantee of greater political freedoms.
The US delegation also offered to install Starlink satellite services in the country, as reported by Axios. However, no deadline was set at the meeting.
Garcia del Toro stated that neither party made threatening statements at the meeting. He classified the meeting as “respectful and professional”.
“Eliminating the energy embargo against the country was one of our delegation’s main priorities”he stated in an interview with Granma.
Del Toro further stated that the US was represented by deputy State Department officials and Cuba was represented “at the level of deputy minister of foreign affairs”.
