Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said former President Raul Castro is involved in negotiations between Havana and Washington, AP reported on March 25. Meanwhile, Aristegui Noticias reported that bilateral negotiations involve security guarantees, economic liberalization and U.S. geopolitical objectives.

Diaz-Canel said he is handling the talks "collectively" alongside Castro and other government and Communist Party officials. The United States is reportedly aiming to maintain Cuba's internal stability while pursuing economic liberalization that allows for massive foreign direct investment. Washington has also demanded control of oil inflows into Cuba, Havana's withdrawal of intelligence personnel from Latin American countries and limits on Russian presence on the island. Meanwhile, Cuba has demanded that the United States not conduct a military invasion, fuel a domestic armed conflict or deport Cuban expats from the United States en masse, and it is also pushing for safety guarantees for the Castro family.