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U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Friday with Mike Hammer, head of the U.S. diplomatic mission in Havana, to discuss the situation in Cuba amid heightened tensions between Washington and Havana following the U.S. operation in Venezuela, local media reported.
The meeting took place at the White House and was confirmed by the U.S. Embassy in Cuba, which said the two officials discussed developments on the island and reaffirmed their “firm support for the Cuban people,” according to Periodico Cubano.
Hammer also briefed Rubio on efforts to deliver $100 million in humanitarian aid through Caritas and other organizations considered reliable, according to a statement from the U.S. diplomatic mission cited by the outlet.
The talks came as relations between Washington and Havana remain strained following the U.S. operation in Venezuela.
The Cuban government said 32 Cuban citizens were killed while carrying out protection and advisory duties for the Venezuelan government, describing the U.S. action as an act of aggression and a violation of international law.
Periodico Cubano said the meeting may also have addressed the impact of developments in Venezuela on Cuba, particularly in the economic and energy sectors, given the island’s longstanding dependence on Venezuelan oil supplies.
The role of Cuban personnel in Venezuela’s security structures was also cited as a potential issue in U.S.-Cuban relations.
Cuba is facing a severe economic crisis and growing social discontent as Washington continues to increase political and economic pressure on Havana.
Periodico Cubano said the embassy’s reference to support for the “Cuban people” reflects U.S. efforts to distinguish between Cuba’s population and its government.
No specific changes to U.S. policy toward Cuba were announced after the meeting.
The talks nevertheless came as the Trump administration reassesses its approach to Cuba following recent developments in Venezuela.
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