Cuba was hit by Hurricane Ike this month and Hurricane Gustav in late August, which severely damaged the country's agricultural sector, communications and housing. On Saturday, the U.S. offered economic assistance and emergency relief supplies to the Caribbean island.
"On the 14th of September, the Cuban Government informed us that they would not accept a donation from the United States. And our reply was that we regret that the Cuban authorities have not accepted this offer of humanitarian assistance to the Cuban people," Sean McCormack said on Monday.
However, the State Department said on Monday it had approved licenses for the sale of $250 million worth of agricultural goods, including lumber, to Cuba. Washington has also said it will give $1.5 million to non-governmental organizations working in Cuba.
Cuba has been under a U.S. trade embargo since the 1959 revolution that brought Fidel Castro to power.
At least seven people were killed by Hurricane Ike in Cuba and thousands were left homeless. A number of countries, including Russia, Spain and Brazil have sent aid to Cuba.
