HAVANA — The United States and Cuba reached a preliminary agreement on Wednesday to restore cooperation mechanisms aimed at curbing irregular migration, following two days of direct talks in Havana that both governments described as constructive and professional in tone.

A senior U.S. State Department official confirmed that the discussions, which began Monday, had produced a working framework under which Cuban authorities would share intelligence on migration networks operating through the island and resume repatriation flights for Cuban nationals intercepted at sea or at the U.S. southern border. The official declined to characterise the agreement as a diplomatic breakthrough but called it 'a practical step forward on a shared problem.'

Cuba's Foreign Ministry issued a statement praising the 'respectful atmosphere' of the negotiations and said the agreement reflected Havana's willingness to engage on issues of mutual concern without preconditions. Cuban officials were careful to emphasise that the talks did not constitute any broader normalisation of bilateral relations, and no commitments on sanctions relief were made during the sessions.

The migration agreement follows a significant uptick in Cuban nationals attempting to reach the United States by sea, a trend that has strained U.S. Coast Guard resources and added pressure on both governments to find operational solutions. The Biden-era migration protocols, which had been partially suspended, are expected to be revived under the new framework.

Analysts cautioned that the agreement's durability would depend on domestic political dynamics in both capitals. Cuban exile groups in Florida quickly criticised the Trump administration for engaging with Havana without securing concessions on political prisoners or press freedom. The White House did not immediately respond to those concerns, with a spokesperson saying only that the talks were 'focused and results-oriented.'