The Cuban government has confirmed that it held talks with US officials in Havana, seeking an end to the US's energy blockade of the country. A Cuban Foreign Ministry official, Alejandro Garcia del Toro, described the exchange as'respectful and professional' and devoid of threats. He accused Washington of "blackmail" for threatening countries that export oil to Cuba with tariffs. The US delegation included assistant secretaries of state and representatives from the Cuban delegation at the level of deputy foreign minister. Reports suggest that US officials laid out several conditions for negotiations with Cuba, including the release of political prisoners, anend to political repression, and liberalising the island's economy. The fuel blockade has exacerbated Cuba's economic and energy crisis, leading to warnings of a humanitarian disaster.