Washington  - US and Cuban officials held their first talks in six years dedicated to carrying out migration accords between the two countries.

Craig Kelly, US principal deputy assistant secretary of state, met with Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Dagoberto Rodriguez in New York, where Kelly reaffirmed Washington's commitment to promote "safe, orderly, and legal migration," State Department spokesman Ian Kelly said.

Since taking office in January, US President Barack Obama has signalled a willingness to open high-level direct dialogue with Havana after decades of estrangement.

"Engaging in these talks underscores our interest in pursuing constructive discussions with the government of Cuba to advance US interests on issues of mutual concern," Kelly said.

Rodriguez said that Cuba restated its commitment to enforcing migration rules between the two countries. He called the gathering a "fruitful working session." (dpa)