The deal comes amid one of the largest immigrations from Cuba to the US in decades. In October, Cubans replaced Venezuelans as the second most populous nationality after Mexicans arriving at the border. U.S. authorities stopped Cubans 28,848 times, a 10 percent increase from the previous month, according to data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection. That exodus is fueled by deepening and worsening crises in the Caribbean nation, which is suffering from shortages of basic goods and long-term power outages. The two governments have had a strained relationship for 60 years – and it became more hostile when former President Donald Trump increased US sanctions on the island. But immigration appears to have become a sticking point for Cuba and the Biden administration, which held talks in Havana for the second time in a week on Tuesday. “It was a useful meeting and it contributed to the mutual goal, with a commitment to achieve a safe, orderly and orderly migration,” Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Cosio said at a news conference on Tuesday. Cossío added that there is an “obvious need” for two countries so close geographically to maintain a dialogue despite their differences. The US delegation was led by Emily Mendrala, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs. The State Department also expressed optimism about the partnership in a brief statement Tuesday afternoon acknowledging the meeting. “Engaging in these talks underscores our commitment to continue constructive discussions with the Cuban government where necessary to advance U.S. interests,” the statement said. The talks followed a series of friendly – or at least non-hostile – exchanges between the two governments in recent months. The US government recently announced that it will resume visa and consular services on the island in January. These had been halted after a series of health incidents involving US diplomats that began in 2017. When Hurricane Ian hit the island in September, the Biden administration announced it would provide $2 million for recovery efforts. In August, the government also provided 43 firefighting suits to Cuba after a fire at an oil storage facility.
