The President of Cuba, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, emphasized the impact of the US blockade on potential opportunities for collaboration during a meeting with a delegation of agricultural representatives from the United States. The delegation, organized by the National Association of United States Departments of Agriculture (NASDA), is the first of its kind to visit Cuba.
During the meeting, President Miguel Díaz-Canel expressed his pleasure and satisfaction at having the US agricultural delegation in Cuba, highlighting the long-standing relationship between the two countries’ agricultural sectors. He stressed the potential for mutual benefit if it were not for the blockade, which has hindered opportunities for cooperation.
The delegation included prominent figures from the US agricultural sector, such as Ted A. MCKinney, president of NASDA, and several state secretaries of agriculture. Their visit to Cuba signifies the interest and willingness to explore opportunities for cooperation and exchange between the two countries.
The US agricultural sector has historically been supportive of improving bilateral relations and lifting coercive measures, such as the US Congress approving the Sanctions Reform and Expansion of Exports law in 2000, which allowed Cuba to purchase food from the US under disadvantageous conditions. Additionally, efforts have been made to make blockade regulations more flexible, including opposing travel bans to Cuba and advocating for the granting of credits and authorization for Cuban exports to the US.
Since the re-establishment of diplomatic relations, there have been increased exchanges in the agricultural area, including the signing of memorandums and numerous federal and state visits to Cuba. The recent visit by the US agricultural delegation demonstrates the real potential for respectful exchange, cooperation, and mutually beneficial projects between Cuba and the United States.
The current exchanges between the agricultural sectors of both countries highlight the willingness to work towards overcoming barriers and fostering a positive and cooperative relationship. It is evident that both parties recognize the potential for collaboration and are eager to explore opportunities for mutual benefit in the agricultural sector.