April 21 (UPI) -- The Cuban government confirmed it recently held talks with a United States delegation, following U.S. media reports that envoys sent by Secretary of State Marco Rubio traveled to the island about 10 days ago.
The confirmation came Monday from Alejandro García del Toro, a senior Cuban Foreign Ministry official in charge of U.S. affairs, during an interview with state-run newspaper Granma.
"It is a sensitive matter that, as we have said, we handle with discretion. But I can confirm that a meeting between delegations of Cuba and the United States was recently held here in Cuba," García del Toro said, without providing a specific date.
He said U.S. participants included assistant secretaries from the State Department, while officials at the vice minister level represented the Cuban side.
García del Toro said lifting what he described as an energy blockade against Cuba was a top priority for Havana.
