(VOVworld) – Both the US and Cuba expressed their official viewpoints on human rights, one of the most delicate issues pending in their historic rapprochement, ahead of a dialogue on the issue in Washington.

Delegations from the US and Cuba meet for closed-door talks at the Convention Palace in Havana, on January 22, 2015 (Photo: Adalberto Roque /AFP/File)

Cuban chief negotiator Pedro Luis Pedroso, Deputy Director General of Multilateral Affairs and International Law of the Foreign Ministry, said La Habana actively made the initiative based on reciprocity, without conditions or discriminatory treatment and in full respect of sovereignty, independence and non-interference in the countries' internal affairs.

The Cuban diplomat admitted that both sides still have profound differences in their political systems, and views on democracy, human rights, and international law. But both expressed the wish to have a civilized dialogue and mutual respect regarding their differences.

Addressing a press briefing the same day, a spokesperson for the US Department of State, Jeff Rathke, said the US delegation will be led by assistant to the Secretary of State in charge of democracy, human rights, and labor.

Rathke said the meeting will focus on the structures and measures for future dialogues in the field adding that the exchange of views on Tuesday was a positive factor for upcoming bilateral talks to make progress.