The highest-level US delegation to visit Cuba in decades welcomed the first day of talks on Wednesday as "productive" despite the Cold War-era rivals' continuing differences.
"The productive and collaborative nature of today's discussion proves that despite the clear differences that remain between our countries, the United States and Cuba can find opportunities to advance our mutually shared interests, as well as well as engage in a respectful and thoughtful dialogue," US deputy assistant secretary of state Alex Lee said after talks on migration issues.