Washington, April 21 (RHC)-- Sixteen retired senior U.S. military officers are asking the Donald Trump administration to continue the process of normalization with Cuba for the sake of U.S. national security and stability in the region.

“The location of Cuba in the Caribbean and proximity to the U.S. make it a natural and strategically valuable partner on issues of immediate concern, including terrorism, border control, drug interdiction, environmental protections, and emergency preparedness,” the retired officers stated in a letter addressed to National Security Adviser Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster and made public on Thursday.

Six of the 16 letter-signers traveled to Havana from March 14th to the 17th at the invitation of the Cuban government and met with officials from the Foreign Ministry as well as representatives from the Energy, Agriculture, Trade, and Foreign Investment ministries.  The group also visited the Port of Mariel.

The letter seeks to influence the Trump administration while it is still reviewing Cuba policy, a process that is reportedly being carried out by the U.S. National Security Council.