BOGOTA, Colombia

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said on Wednesday that while all issues can be discussed in negotiations with the US, the country’s independence can “never” be questioned.

Speaking to Spanish media outlet Canal Red in Havana, Diaz-Canel addressed ongoing contacts with Washington.

He said a wide range of topics, including foreign investment, migration flows, drug trafficking, counterterrorism, environmental protection, as well as science and education, should be discussed with the US.

“We can discuss everything, but our sovereignty must be respected. Our independence and political system are never open to discussion,” he said.

Diaz-Canel described the negotiation process as long-term, adding that, as in the past, both government institutions and civil society organizations should be involved in dialogue.

He emphasized the importance of preventing conflict between the two countries, saying: “We do not want war; we want dialogue. But if we are subjected to military intervention, I am ready to give my life for the revolution.”

Diaz-Canel also said Cuba is working to strengthen its domestic energy production capacity and promote renewable energy sources in order to reduce external dependency.

US restrictions on oil to Cuba

US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Jan. 30 imposing tariffs on all goods from countries that sell or supply oil to Cuba.

The White House said the move aims to protect US national security and foreign policy interests against what it described as Cuba’s “harmful actions and policies.”

Trump announced on Feb. 1 that talks had been initiated with the Cuban administration regarding oil supply arrangements, but Cuba denied the claim.

The Cuban government has activated an emergency package to cope with the situation without external oil supplies.

*Writing by Merve Berker