On Wednesday, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla and Russian Foreign Minister Serguéi Lavrov convened in New York during the High-Level Week of the 81st United Nations General Assembly session. This meeting was confirmed by both countries' foreign ministries through their social media channels.
This encounter occurred just a day after former President Donald Trump branded Cuba as a "completely failed state" in remarks to the General Assembly, asserting that the regime's downfall was imminent. These comments led to the immediate withdrawal of the Cuban delegation from the chamber.
The Cuban Foreign Ministry characterized the meeting as an opportunity to discuss the "excellent state of strategic and multifaceted bilateral ties," highlighting Havana's closeness to Moscow. This statement was made in the very setting where Washington had criticized this alliance.
Rodríguez had countered Trump's statements by labeling them "falsehoods" and "slanders," and announced his intent to formally address the General Assembly on Friday, September 26.
The timing of the meeting with Lavrov carries significant symbolism; the Cuban regime is strengthening its ties with Moscow at the same venue where the United States accuses it of harboring "sophisticated Russian and Chinese military and intelligence capabilities" on the island, according to a State Department fact sheet.
On the same day, Lavrov also held discussions with Secretary of State Marco Rubio in New York, with Ukraine as a primary topic. This highlights the diplomatic intensity of the day and Russia's role as a pivotal player on multiple fronts simultaneously.
This latest meeting in the United States is part of a series of high-level interactions between Cuba and Russia throughout 2026.
In February, Rodríguez visited Moscow, where he met with Lavrov and President Vladimir Putin, who reaffirmed Russia's support for the Cuban regime.
The two foreign ministers engaged in phone conversations in March and reconvened in May on the sidelines of the BRICS foreign ministers' meeting in New Delhi, where Russia pledged political and material support to Cuba.
Key Questions on Cuba-Russia Relations at the UN
Why did the Cuban delegation leave the UN General Assembly?
The Cuban delegation exited the UN General Assembly after former President Donald Trump described Cuba as a "completely failed state" and predicted the regime's downfall.
What was the purpose of the meeting between Bruno Rodríguez and Serguéi Lavrov?
The meeting aimed to discuss the state of strategic and multifaceted bilateral ties between Cuba and Russia, reaffirming their close alliance.