Talks between the United States and Cuba on immigration issues have resumed after six years.

A spokeswoman for the U.S. delegation to the talks said U.S. and Cuban representatives began meeting early Tuesday in New York. The delegates are discussing the implementation of the U.S.-Cuba Migration Accords.

A statement issued earlier Tuesday said the discussion will focus on how best to promote safe, legal and orderly migration between the two countries.

Deputy Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Craig Kelly is leading the U.S. delegation, which also includes representatives from U.S. agencies involved in migration issues.

Migration talks had been suspended in 2003 by President George W. Bush.  

In May, the U.S. government offered to restart the negotiations as part of President Barack Obama's effort to improve relations with Cuba. In April, Mr. Obama eased limits on family travel to Cuba.

U.S. Secretary of State Hilllary Clinton recently said Cuba must improve human rights, and release political prisoners before the decades-long U.S. trade embargo on Cuba can be lifted.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP.