Josefina Vidal Ferreiro, director general for the United States within Cuba’s Ministry of Foreign Relations (Minrex) indicated that several aspects of migratory relations were evaluated, including adherence to agreements in effect since 1994-95, and the issuance of visas for emigrants and visits.

Also addressed were the results of actions taken by both parties to combat illegal emigration, trafficking in persons and document fraud, according to Vidal, who is heading the Cuban delegation participating in two days of talks to begin the process of establishing diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Cuba.

Deputy Assistant Secretary for South America and Cuba within the U.S. State Departments Western Hemisphere Bureau, Edward Alex Lee, commented to the press that, during the talks, both Cuba and the United States expressed their commitment to pursue safe, legal and orderly emigration.

The U.S. diplomat added that the talks have been productive and that a spirit of collaboration has prevailed despite the difference between the countries, and that opportunities exist to continue working together on issues of mutual concern.

Photo: Juvenal Balán