In this photo released by the CIA on Thursday (14th), CIA Director John Ratcliffe (left) leads a U.S. delegation to Havana to meet with Cuban government officials. [CIA]

Cuba confirmed on Thursday (local time) that U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director John Ratcliffe met with Cuban officials in Havana this week, according to CNN, as the island nation grapples with an energy sector collapse.

Cuba stated the talks were held at the request of the U.S. government and that it emphasized it does not pose a threat to U.S. national security.

"Given the U.S. government's request for a delegation led by CIA Director John Ratcliffe to visit Havana, the Revolutionary government authorized this visit and the meeting with the Minister of the Interior," Cuba said in a statement.

CNN reported the island nation emphasized there is no "legitimate reason" to include Cuba on the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism because it does not harbor, support or finance terrorists. It also denied longstanding U.S. claims that it hosts foreign military or intelligence bases.

The meetings come one day after Cuba’s Minister of Energy and Mining, Vicente de la O Levy, announced that the island’s power plants were running out of oil and supplies were dwindling.

"There is no fuel oil, no diesel," de la O Levy said Wednesday, adding that in Havana, "outages have exceeded 20 to 22 hours today."

Cuba had been receiving nearly free oil shipments from Venezuela until the U.S. sought to oust Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. However, since January, the U.S. has blocked oil shipments, leading to blackouts lasting up to 22 hours a day in some parts of Havana.

President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social on Tuesday morning, "Cuba is asking for help, and we will be talking!!! In the meantime, I am going to China!"

A high-level U.S. delegation met with Cuban government officials last month.

A senior State Department delegation emphasized to Cuban officials that "time is running out for the U.S. to implement key reforms supported by the U.S. before the situation deteriorates irreversibly," a State Department official told CNN.

The U.S. delegation stressed that "Cuba must undertake significant economic and governance reforms to enhance competitiveness, attract foreign investment, and promote private sector-led growth," according to the official.

By Sung Ku Hong, Chief Reporter, NNP / Special Correspondent, NNP info@newsandpost.com