Washington, DC [US], August 12 (ANI): United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed confidence that Cuba will be set on an "irreversible path" towards political change before the Trump administration concludes its term, designating the change as a key American "national interest."
In an interview with The Katie Miller Podcast released by the State Department on Tuesday, Rubio highlighted the Trump administration's strategic focus regarding Washington's diplomatic posture towards Havana.
"I am confident that Cuba, by the time this administration's over, before this administration ends, will be on an irreversible path towards a much different future," Rubio stated.
While advocating a firm stance against Havana, the top US diplomat noted that institutional restructuring requires patience, drawing parallels to the political transitions observed across Eastern Europe following the end of communist governance.
"You can't have something in place for 70 years, it grows roots, and then think overnight you're just going to rip out the whole thing and put something brand-new into the ground," Rubio explained.
He added, "There's a transition that has to happen and a process to get there. Eastern Europe is instructive of that. You saw it took countries in Eastern Europe three to five years to truly become what we know them to be today. Poland is probably the best example."
While refraining from detailing specific policy measures planned by Washington, Rubio asserted that the issue remains a priority due to its regional security implications for the US.
"So I think Cuba will be on that path, well along that path. It has to be," he noted. "But certainly under this administration, given the priority it's given Cuba, I like, you never guarantee anything, but it's certainly a priority for us because it's in our national interest."
Addressing his Cuban-American heritage, Rubio stressed that his strategic outlook aligns with his official mandate as America's chief foreign policy official.
"I care about Cuba, obviously I have a personal connection to it, but I don't work for Cuba; I work for the United States," he said. "And I believe it's in the national interest of our country to have a Cuba that's safe and stable and aligned with the US - the same feeling I have about Venezuela as well."
Reflecting on operational coordination within the administration, Rubio also mentioned maintaining constant contact with President Donald Trump. "Every day. Multiple times," Rubio revealed, adding that he receives calls from Trump in the early hours of the morning, sometimes shortly past 2 am and as early as just after 6 am. (ANI)
Marco Rubio sees "much different" future for Cuba before Trump leaves office
