CIA Director John Ratcliffe met with Cuban counterparts and interior ministry officials in Havana amid the energy crisis.
During the meeting, both sides discussed intelligence sharing, security, and economic stability. The US said it is willing to work with Cuba, but only if Cuba makes major reforms.
The US has also renewed a 100 million US dollar aid offer to help Cuba deal with severe fuel shortages caused by restrictions that have reduced oil supplies. The shortages have disrupted hospitals, schools, and government services. Cuba said it is open to discussing aid but believes the US should instead lift its economic restrictions.
US officials said Ratcliffe delivered President Trump’s message that Washington is ready to engage on economic and security issues, but only if Cuba changes its policies. Cuba said the talks were also aimed at improving cooperation between law enforcement agencies.
