Cuban president signals openness to dialogue after Trump ultimatum

Cuba’s President Miguel Díaz-Canel has reiterated his country’s willingness to engage in serious and respectful talks with the United States, following a stark ultimatum from US President Donald Trump urging Havana to negotiate “before it is too late.”

In a post on X, Díaz-Canel said there are currently “no conversations with the US government, apart from technical contacts in the area of migration,” but emphasized Cuba’s readiness to pursue diplomatic engagement on an equal footing, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

“We have always been willing to engage in serious and responsible dialogue with the different US governments, including the current one, on the basis of sovereign equality, mutual respect, principles of international law, reciprocal benefit, non-interference in internal affairs, and full respect for our independence,” he wrote.

The Cuban president added that any progress in bilateral relations must be rooted in international law rather than “hostility, threats, and economic coercion.”

Trump’s ultimatum, shared on his Truth Social platform, followed his declaration that Cuba would receive no more Venezuelan oil or money — “zero” — a source of energy and financial aid that Havana has long relied upon. “Cuba lived, for many years, on large amounts of OIL and MONEY from Venezuela,” Trump wrote, urging the Cuban leadership to strike a deal with Washington to avert further consequences.

The US move has heightened tensions in the region, particularly after a recent US military operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, Cuba’s longtime ally. Trump’s stance reflects a broader pressure campaign on nations aligned with Caracas, including steps to halt the flow of Venezuelan oil to Cuba.

Beijing has voiced strong support for Cuba in the face of US pressure. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said China “firmly supports Cuba in safeguarding its national sovereignty and security” and urged the United States to cease its blockade, sanctions, and coercive measures, calling for actions conducive to regional peace and stability.

By Vafa Guliyeva