Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Addresses Complex U.S.-Cuban Relations: Migration, Economy, and Geopolitical Conflicts.

In a recent interview, we spoke with Carlos Fernández de Cossío, Cuba’s deputy minister of foreign affairs, about the high-level U.S.-Cuban migration talks that took place in Washington. During the discussion, he emphasized that while U.S. policies that expedite permanent residency for Cubans in the United States have had an impact on the flow of people between the two countries, it is the enduring U.S. embargo on Cuba that continues to be the primary driver of migration.

Fernández de Cossío also touched upon several other topics during our conversation, including the upcoming 2024 election and potential policy continuities between the Trump and Biden administrations. He shared Cuba’s stance on a number of issues, including U.S.-backed Israeli military action in Gaza and recent protests within Cuba addressing living conditions and other grievances. Overall, our conversation shed light on the complex dynamics shaping U.S.-Cuban relations, from migration policies to geopolitical conflicts and domestic challenges facing the island nation.

During our conversation with Carlos Fernández de Cossío, we learned that U.S policies aimed at undermining the Cuban economy continue to push many Cubans to seek better opportunities elsewhere. Despite efforts by some to expedite permanent residency for Cubans in the US through various policies, such as family reunification and increased immigration pathways for those fleeing persecution or seeking economic opportunities abroad.

Furthermore, we discussed how these economic hardships faced by Cubans are exacerbated by continued U.S embargo on Cuba which limits their ability to access resources and markets needed for economic growth.

We also talked about how recent protests within Cuba addressing living conditions and other grievances reflect a growing frustration among citizens who are struggling to make ends meet due to ongoing economic difficulties.

In conclusion, our conversation with Carlos Fernández de Cossío highlighted how complex U-Cuban relations are shaped by factors such as migration policies