MADRID, Spain.- The United States Coast Guard Service and the Cuban Border Troops met in Havana to discuss the current migration crisis.
During the “technical meeting”, which took place on September 8 and 9, 2022, they exchanged on “the ways to increase operational cooperation between both services in terms of confronting the smuggling of migrants, illegal departures and trafficking illicit drugs, as well as maritime search and rescue operations,” according to the Cuban television.
According to the official note, both parties decided to continue holding this type of debate.
“The meeting took place in a respectful and professional atmosphere,” adds the information.
This is the second rapprochement between officials from the United States and the Cuban regime so far this year to address migration issues.
Last April, for the first time since 2018, the United States and Havana discussed cooperation on migration.
In the dateThe United States assured that participating in these talks underscores its “commitment to engage in constructive talks with the Government of Cuba when appropriate to advance US interests.”
“Enabling safe, legal, and orderly migration between Cuba and the United States remains in the mutual interest of both countries and is consistent with United States interests in fostering family reunification and promoting greater respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in Cuba. Cuba,” said the US State Department.
This Friday it emerged that the number of Cuban migrants intercepted at sea since October 1, 2021 (beginning of the fiscal year) had reached 5,421.
The number constitutes immigration record in recent years, surpassing the 5,396 West Indians detained by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) in fiscal year 2016. In addition, it is the highest number recorded since the rafter crisis of 1994.
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