What characterizes bilateral relations between Cuba and the United States? 

We have received numerous questions in recent weeks about relations between Cuba and the United States. And this is hardly surprising, because every day we receive a multitude of reports, opinions, and versions from the northern nation, whether from the government, traditional media, or the deceptive digital social networks.
Some proclaim that the "final hour of the Revolution has arrived," others speak of secret negotiations, and there are even fortune tellers and tarot readers who, week after week, predict the date of the end of communism.
The truth is that both our people and foreign visitors or people from other countries wonder how relations between Cuba and the United States are progressing.
I invite you to stick to the public facts, which speak louder than words. What characterizes bilateral relations? First, the current US administration has intensified the economic, commercial, and financial blockade that has lasted for more than six decades. The White House Executive Order of January 29th is the clearest example: we're talking about an energy blockade and threats against third countries and companies; preventing oil and its derivatives from reaching Cuba... All of this is aimed at putting more pressure and stress on the already complicated lives of Cubans because energy powers transportation and lights a country, as well as being vital for food production and the management of basic services like water and hospitals—everyday life. That's the first aspect of bilateral relations.
A second point: Washington's declared intention to cut off the legitimate income of the Cuban economy and its pressure on third-party nations to suspend medical cooperation programs with Cuba, programs that have been known to support the neediest not only in Latin America and the Caribbean, but throughout the world.
The people of Africa, Asia, and even Europe have received medical care and much humanitarian compassion from our doctors. Incidentally, the entire U.S. interest in cutting these medical programs stems from the fact that in some countries they represent income for Cuba's public health system.
A third aspect that characterizes these ties: The United States also attacks the tourism industry, which it does indirectly through the energy blockade, in addition to the constant pressure on tour operators and airlines that fly to our destinations.
To all of the above, we must add a fourth point: remittances from Cubans living in the United States who wish to send additional support to their families here have been suspended. Why cut them off? Simple: it's part of the intended suffocation and discontent they seek to generate. Remittances are a source of income and in many cases the standard of living for a portion of the Cuban population.
Do you want more revelations about the state of relations between Cuba and the United States? I propose a fifth point: the current U.S. administration tolerates and grants impunity to those who plan, organize, and carry out violent and terrorist actions against Cuba from within its borders.
The most recent example: the incursion of a speedboat and the attempt by a group of terrorists to infiltrate, armed with high-caliber and precision weapons, explosives, and a large supply of military equipment to carry out attacks.
The same can be said of the ten Panamanians paid to paint posters and organize the internal counterrevolution. These are just a few examples, the most illustrative, of the United States' attitude toward Cuba, but I propose a sixth characteristic: from there, they finance and execute a media campaign—both in traditional media and on digital social networks—that seeks to create the narrative that the Cuban government is responsible for all our shortages, the annoying blackouts, the lack of food and medicine, and the scarcity of transportation. It is clear that the White House and the State Department have an official policy of making our lives impossible.
Finally, a seventh point—the last one, just for today—: they not only want us to blame ourselves for the problems caused by Washington, but, as an additional point, they bombard us daily with a narrative aimed at confusing, dividing, and demobilizing the population and Cuba's friends in solidarity.
What am I referring to? The supposed negotiations. Historically, the Cuban government has shown a willingness to engage in dialogue with the United States government, but without underhanded dealings, in a serious and responsible manner, based on "respect for sovereignty and international law," in the search for solutions to bilateral issues.
Some examples come to mind, such as the dialogues with Obama that led to the reestablishment of diplomatic relations, which—incidentally—I witnessed firsthand as a journalist; similarly, with the Clinton administration on immigration matters, and with Carter, with whom interest sections were established in both capitals. We could continue with the mentions…
President Miguel Díaz-Canel himself has reaffirmed his willingness to discuss all issues, no matter how sensitive. However, the Cuban government has stated that it will defend the sovereign rights of every Cuban to self-determination and to decide their Our own future.
The growing aggression of the United States comes at a very high cost for everyone, and the Government is not standing idly by: plan against plan, as José Martí would say.
There is a Government plan that outlines how to face the challenge, but it calls for action, for everyone to participate with preparation and local ingenuity, with creativity and resilience to arrive at innovative options and viable solutions to each new obstacle.
I believe I have made the facts about bilateral relations clear, but in summary: aggression from Washington, blaming us for what they provoke, manipulation of the supposed dialogue to which we are willing with transparency and on equal terms, and the response of a people who continue with creativity and effort, certain that we are not alone.