Senior military leaders of the U.S. and Cuba hold rare meeting
On May 29, Xinhua News Agency reported from Washington (reporters Huang Qiang and Xu Jianmei) that the U.S. Southern Command announced on social media that its commander, Donovan, held a brief exchange with senior Cuban military leaders regarding "military operation security matters" near the U.S. Navy base in Guantanamo, Cuba, on the same day.
The report stated that the Chief of Staff of the Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces, Roberto Legra Sotolongo, and other senior leaders attended the meeting.
The report also mentioned that Donovan led a team to assess the surrounding security situation of the Guantanamo Naval Base and discussed issues such as troop protection, the safety of service members and their families, and readiness with base officials.
The United States has long imposed an economic and financial blockade and trade embargo on Cuba. Following military actions against Venezuela and Iran earlier this year, Trump threatened Cuba, stating, "Cuba is next," and further increased pressure on Cuba by implementing an oil blockade. According to U.S. media reports on the 27th, U.S. military deployments in the Caribbean targeting Cuba have been completed. Meanwhile, dialogue between the U.S. and Cuba continues, but there has been no substantial progress.
U.S. Southern Command Commander Donovan held a meeting with senior Cuban military leaders near Guantanamo Bay on May 29, 2023, to discuss military operations security. The meeting included discussions on troop protection and safety for military personnel and their families. This meeting occurs amid heightened U.S. military presence in the Caribbean and ongoing tensions between the two nations.
- U.S. Southern Command Commander Donovan met with Cuban military leaders on May 29, 2023.
- The meeting focused on military operations security.
- Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces Chief of Staff Roberto Legra Sotolongo attended the meeting.
- The U.S. has completed military deployments in the Caribbean targeting Cuba.
- The U.S. has increased pressure on Cuba, including threats and economic sanctions.