According to media reports, Representatives Ilhan Omar and Pramila Jayapal recently took a secret trip to Cuba, where they met with Cuban government officials.
The Congressional Progressive Caucus later confirmed the visit, stating the Congresswomen met with “civil society” groups and officials to discuss human rights and US-Cuba relations.
“Representatives Jayapal and Omar traveled to Cuba last week, where they met with people from across Cuban civil society and government officials to discuss human rights and the U.S.-Cuba bilateral relationship,” a spokesperson stated.
However, details of the trip remain vague as neither lawmaker has commented, and actual Cuban civil society groups have not corroborated the meetings.
The trip coincided with a visit by Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov, who defended Cuba and called for its removal from the US terrorism sponsors list, which Jayapal has also advocated.
“Being on this list has made it nearly impossible for Cuba to do international business, driving an economic downturn that has led residents to flee the country,” Rep. Jayapal said. “It’s time to re-engage with Cuba.”
The presence of the progressive Congresswomen in communist Cuba at the same time as Russian officials has raised questions, as Cuba’s civil society faces severe repression and it maintains close ties to US adversaries.
Recibí al canciller de Rusia, Serguéi Lavrov, a quien trasladé un afectuoso saludo para el presidente Vladimir Putin.
Intercambiamos sobre la dinamización de las relaciones bilaterales en temas de interés común y acerca de asuntos relevantes de la agenda internacional. pic.twitter.com/wHhYOYDymn
— Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez (@DiazCanelB) February 19, 2024
