Cuba and U.S. military officials meet at Guantanamo Bay

High-ranking officials from the U.S. Southern Command met with their Cuban counterparts at the border of the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base, according to a statement from MINFAR (Ministry of the Armed Forces of Cuba).

The meeting, which took place by mutual agreement, focused on border security issues. Both sides reportedly evaluated the discussions positively and agreed to maintain communication between their military commands. Local media reported that Cuban Chief of Staff Roberto Legra Sotolongo represented Cuba in the meeting, which was described as an unusual discussion on security matters.

This encounter comes amid heightened tensions and differing perspectives on regional security. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez previously stated that Cuba has never been and will not be an unusual or extraordinary threat to U.S. national security, rejecting such claims. Earlier in May, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth expressed concern to Congress about a foreign adversary using a location so close to U.S. shores, implicitly referring to Cuba's proximity to the Guantanamo base.

Adding to the diplomatic activity, CIA Director John Ratcliffe visited Cuba on May 14 to discuss regional and international security issues with representatives of the Cuban Ministry of the Interior.

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We have been concerned for a long time that a foreign adversary would use a position so close to our shores.