Although the United States officially announced a new relationship with Cuba on Wednesday, Secretary of Defense Ashton B. Carter said that there are no plans to close the naval station located in Guantanamo Bay. The U.S. announced on Wednesday that it is reinstating full diplomatic relations with Cuba and considering opening embassies on the island. Read the transcript below via CQ.com: QUESTION: Two questions — a policy question and perhaps an operational question for the chairman. For you, I wanted — I’m curious, today is a historic day in Washington as the U.S. is reestablishing full diplomatic relations with Cuba and announcing the opening of embassies. Can you envision a time in the future where the United States might be willing to give up the U.S. based — naval base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba? And for the chairman, I’m struck by the attack yesterday in Afghanistan. That’s a chaotic scene in the capital. And the New York Times described it as revealing a wellspring of anti-American sentiment there. I’m wondering if you agree with that characterization. CARTER: Easy, the first part, with no anticipation and no plan with respect to the Guantanamo Bay Naval Station in Cuba.