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Senior U.S. and Cuban military officials met Friday at Guantanamo Bay, the U.S. naval base on the communist-run island, as relations between Washington and Havana continue to deteriorate.
U.S. General Francis Donovan, head of U.S. Southern Command, met with Cuban General Roberto Legra Sotolongo “for a brief exchange on operational security matters,” Southern Command said in a statement.
“Gen. Donovan also led a perimeter security assessment of the naval base and discussed force protection, safety of service members and their families, and operational readiness with base officials,” the statement said.
Cuba’s Ministry of Revolutionary Armed Forces said both delegations viewed the meeting positively and agreed to maintain communication between the two military commands.
The meeting took place at the U.S. naval base located at the southeastern tip of Cuba.
Relations between the United States and Cuba have deteriorated further since January, when Washington imposed what critics described as a de facto oil blockade on the island following a U.S. operation that removed Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro from power.
Without Venezuelan support, Cuba has faced worsening shortages of electricity, food and medicine.
Russia, China and Iran, which maintain ties with Havana, have also come under increased U.S. pressure through sanctions and diplomatic measures.
U.S. authorities recently indicted former Cuban President Raul Castro in a case linked to the 1996 downing of civilian aircraft operated by Miami-based exile groups.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is Cuban American, has said Washington continues to seek a diplomatic solution to the standoff.
Reports last week suggested Havana was considering drone strikes on Guantanamo Bay in the event of a U.S. attack.
Southern Command said Donovan also reviewed perimeter security at the base and discussed operational readiness and the safety of personnel.
Guantanamo Bay, located about 430 miles (700 kilometers) southeast of Miami, is known internationally for the detention facility established there after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.
Trump has also proposed using the base as a holding center for undocumented migrants.
“Naval Station Guantanamo Bay is a vital operational and logistical hub that supports U.S. military efforts to counter threats that undermine security, stability and democracy in our hemisphere,” Southern Command said.
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