In a recent interview with Newsweek, the President of Cuba and First Secretary of the Communist Party Central Committee, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, stated that establishing a dialogue with the United States and reaching certain agreements is possible. According to the President, Cuba has always been willing to maintain civilized relations with its northern neighbor, respecting sovereignty, self-determination, and the principles of reciprocity and international law.
He pointed out that agreements could be reached on migration, security, the environment, science, education, culture, sports, and trade, including U.S. investment in Cuba. He emphasized that, throughout history, both countries have held discussions and reached agreements on matters of common interest, in which Cuba has always fulfilled its commitments.
On the other hand, he noted that for 67 years, U.S. policy has been characterized by hostility, blockades, and threats that have affected the Cuban population. “Our country is suffering multidimensional aggression with devastating effects on people’s lives,” he said.
Díaz-Canel stressed that Cuba is a country of peace, yet it maintains a defense doctrine prepared to protect its sovereignty. “We will always work for peace, but if military aggression occurs, we will defend ourselves,” he stated, adding that any conflict would be extremely costly for both nations.
Regarding domestic economic policy, the President explained that deep transformations are underway, including greater autonomy for the state-owned business sector, expansion of the private sector, strengthening of municipalities, improvements in foreign investment, an energy transition toward renewables, and increased food production to achieve food sovereignty. He also highlighted scientific advances, such as a Cuban drug under development to combat Alzheimer’s, whose trials included U.S. patients and have shown results superior to traditional treatments.
Díaz-Canel concluded by recognizing the potential of Cuba’s innovation and emphasizing the importance of advancing this work in a broader and more cooperative way, free from the restrictions imposed by the blockade. He affirmed that this is the future Cuba is pursuing—and that it is achievable.
Access the full text of the interview at the following link:
https://www.newsweek.com/cuba-president-miguel-diaz-canel-full-interview-newsweek-11786571