Washington, November 9 (RHC)-- Cuba and the United States are holding a joint meeting on law enforcement with the objective of strengthening bilateral cooperation in the area of security, according to the Cuban Foreign Ministry.

In late October, the Deputy Secretary of U.S. Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas visited Cuba and according to U.S. authorities, the official met his agenda in a positive environment focusing on bilateral cooperation on law enforcement. Mayorkas also addressed with Cuban officials new ways of collaboration in the sector.

Meanwhile, Cuban authorities said that Mayorkas held official talks with Interior Minister Carlos Fernandez Gondin, in a constructive and respectful environment. The U.S. official also met with First Deputy Foreign Minister Marcelino Medina on the state of bilateral links and the possibilities to further enhance them.

Havana and Washington will also open the second meeting of the Cuba-U.S. Bilateral Commission to follow up on the accords of a first forum held on September 11th in the Cuban capital, according to Prensa Latina news agency.

During the meeting, Cuba will raise the issue related to the lifting of the U.S. economic, commercial and financial blockade, which Cuban authorities describe as the main obstacle to normalize bilateral relations.

The Cuban delegation to the meeting will be headed by the General Director of the United States Division at the Cuban Foreign Ministry, Josefina Vidal, while the host will be Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, Edward Alex Lee.