The Cuban delegation hailed the positive and respectful environment of the talks during which both sides reviewed the implementation of existing migration accords. Cuba insisted that alien smuggling and illegal migration would not be eradicated, nor could there be a legal, safe and orderly migration between the two countries, as long as the 'wet foot/dry foot' policy and the Cuban Adjustment Act remained in force. Cuba said the policies of the US ran counter to Cuba’s policies of managing immigrants and facilitating its citizens in travelling to the US. Havana confirmed its willingness to continue talks on migration with Washington in the future.

The talks were held in the US capital of Washington. Photo: internet

A US State Department spokesperson stressed that the talks would be carried out to ensure every act taken is consistent with Cuban and US interests, adding that they did not indicate a change in US policy toward Cuba.

The talks, suspended in 2011, are supposed to be held every six months to monitor the implementation of 1990s migration accords, and often touch on other areas of mutual concern.