Cuban president confirms talks with US government to find solutions to problems given their severity

Video Description

(13 Mar 2026) RESTRICTION SUMMARY: ASSOCIATED PRESS Havana, Cuba - 13 March 2026 1. SOUNDBITE (English) Cristiana Mesquita, The Associated Press: ++Parts overlaid shot 2 and 3++ “In what some are calling a historic moment in Cuba and U.S. relations, and after several days of speculation, President Díaz-Canel announced that talks between Cuba and the United States have taken place. He offered very little detail but did say the discussions sought 'solutions to bilateral differences'. He added that any negotiations must respect equality, each country’s political system, and Cuba’s “sovereignty and self-determination.” 2. People on street 3. Varios of people on street and Cuban flag 4. SOUNDBITE (English) Cristiana Mesquita, The Associated Press: +Parts overlaid shot 5++ “In Havana, some residents have voiced hope that negotiations could ease the economic crisis. Díaz-Canel said that no oil has entered Cuba in three months, calling the impact of the U.S. energy blockade on the population 'tremendous.'" 5. Various of street vendors 6. SOUNDBITE (English) Cristiana Mesquita, The Associated Press: +Parts overlaid shot 7 and 8++ “Cuba produces about 40% of its petroleum, and it is not enough to meet demand. Blackouts last up to 30 hours in some areas, and gasoline rationing has disrupted public transportation.” ASSOCIATED PRESS ARCHIVE: Havana, Cuba - 02 February 2026 7. Various of women light a kerosene candle while cooking with charcoal 8. Men unloading coal from a horse-drawn cart ASSOCIATED PRESS Havana, Cuba - 13 March 2026 9. SOUNDBITE (English) Cristiana Mesquita, The Associated Press: “The President’s comments came hours after the surprise announcement of the release of 51 prisoners. The Foreign Ministry said the decision reflected 'a spirit of goodwill and close relations with the Vatican,' adding that those freed had served much of their sentences and maintained good conduct.” 10. Man wearing T-shirt with American flag ASSOCIATED PRESS Archive: Havana, Cuba - 05 January 2026 11. Man raising the Cuban flag in front of the United States embassy STORYLINE: In what some are calling a historic moment for Cuba-U.S. relations, and after days of intense speculation, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has confirmed that talks between Cuba and the United States have taken place. He offered very little detail but did say the discussions sought “solutions to bilateral differences “He added that any negotiations must respect equality, each country’s political system, and Cuba’s “sovereignty and self-determination.” In Havana, some residents have voiced hope that negotiations could ease the economic crisis. Díaz-Canel confirmed that no oil has entered Cuba in three months, calling the impact of the U.S. energy blockade on the population “tremendous.” Cuba produces about 40% of its petroleum, and it is not enough to meet demand. Blackouts last up to 30 hours in some areas, and gasoline rationing has disrupted public transportation. The President’s comments came hours after the surprise announcement that 51 prisoners would be released. The Foreign Ministry said the decision reflected “a spirit of goodwill and close relations with the Vatican,” adding that those freed had served much of their sentences and maintained good conduct. AP Video shot by: Ariel Fernández and Milexsy Durán =========================================================== Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter:   / ap_archive   Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​ Instagram:   / apnews   You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...