Fernandez de Cossio told Prensa Latina that no progress can be identified when the United States government “imposes new coercive measures to punish the Cuban people weekly or bi-weekly and continues to reinforce the brutal economic war.”

Addressing the question of potential meetings between Havana and Washington, a topic frequently raised by US media, the deputy foreign minister underscored that “this is a matter we handle discreetly, in keeping with our established practice.”

“We keep formal diplomatic relations with the United States and, consequently, an official channel of communication,” added the diplomat, who is part of the Cuban delegation attending the High-Level Segment of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

He reiterated, “We have always been willing to engage in serious, responsible dialogue with the United States regarding our differences and to resolve bilateral issues, based on mutual respect and adherence to international law.”

“We remain open to dialogue,” he said, “not least because we are convinced that we are in the right.”

The Cuban delegation walked out of the General Assembly plenary session in response to the slanderous remarks made against the Caribbean nation by US President Donald Trump.

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