Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs
WASHINGTON, DC – Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Roberta S. Jacobson will travel to Havana, Cuba on January 21-24 to take advantage of previously planned Migration Talks to launch a discussion with the Cuban Government on re-establishing diplomatic relations.
Re-establishing diplomatic relations with Cuba is a key step for the implementation of changes in the U.S.-Cuba relationship announced by President Obama on December 17. The agenda will include technical and logistical arrangements such as, embassy operations, staffing, and visa processing. Additionally, while in Havana, Assistant Secretary Jacobson will meet with members of independent civil society, as well as religious and independent business leaders.
This new conversation with Cuba is both an historic and important process that will advance U.S. interests. It will strengthen the United States’ ability to advocate for positive change on the island. By facilitating the Cuban people’s access to greater resources and information, the policy change seeks to engender greater respect for human rights and adherence to democratic principles in Cuba.
