Cuba confirmed talks with the Trump administration amid an economic crisis after Venezuela oil was cut off. President Miguel Díaz-Canel cites aim to resolve differences.

Cuban leader Miguel Diaz-Canel confirmed Friday that Cuban officials recently held conversations with the President Donald Trump's administration.

The Cuban government, which has so far outlasted 13 U.S. presidents, faces its gravest challenge yet. Images from The New York Times and others record nearly seven decades of political turmoil, economic crises and small moments of ordinary life.

The Cuban government announced Thursday it plans to release 51 people from the island’s prisons “in the coming days” amid the Trump administration’s ongoing pressure on the country, multiple outlets reported.

Cuba's government says it will release 51 people from prisons, in an unexpected move that comes as the Trump administration puts immense pressure on the country.

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel said officials have held talks with the Trump administration as Havana frees 51 prisoners.

The announcement follows President Donald Trump discussing a "friendly takeover" of the island nation earlier this month.

Cuba’s government says it will release 51 people from prisons in an unexpected move. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the release in the upcoming days stems from a spirit of goodwill and close relations with the Vatican.

Canel's acknowledgment that officials from Cuba and the United States have engaged in discussions to address bilateral differences between the two countries.