Cuba's President Addresses Bilateral Ties with U.S. Lawmakers
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Cuba's President Miguel Diaz-Canel met on Monday with Republican and Democrat members of the United States Congress, to whom he ratified the will to promote the advancement of bilateral relations.
During the meeting, held at the Permanent Mission of Cuba to the UN, the President also referred to the willingness to take advantage of the potential of cooperation based on equality and mutual respect.
Before Senators and Representatives, Diaz-Canel affirmed that the setback in relations and the persisting blockade are harming the interests of both nations.
He also said that in this context obstacles to the economic development of Cuba are also extended.
The Cuban leader thanked the effort of the lawmakers attending the meeting to facilitate a rapprochement between the two countries and urged them to keep up the work to that purpose.
Diaz-Canel also referred to Cuba's political priorities, especially the constitutional reform process in which the population is participating broadly.
Democratic Senator Ron Wyden, one of the attendees, called the meeting a very good and constructive discussion, and expressed interest in promoting economic activities favorable to both countries.
'It will be a challenge with Donald Trump's administration, but I think the next Congress will have new people who support trade between the United States and Cuba,' he added.
Wyden, who referred to the midterm elections next November, said that counting on more lawmakers for that end would have very positive effects.
For his part, Congressman Gregory Meeks, in response to a question from Prensa Latina, considered unfair the restrictions Americans face to travel to Cuba.
This makes no sense, Cuba is not a threat to the United States, it is only 90 miles away, and it would be favorable and helpful for both countries to ensure that relations improve and that the travel ban disappear, said the Democrat lawmaker.
According to the senator, most U.S. citizens want the travel ban and the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by Washington more than 55 years ago end.
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