Havana , Cuba ( CNN ) -- Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife , Rosalynn , landed in Havana on Monday for a private visit aimed at reducing tension between the Cold War enemies and seeing first-hand the economic reforms sweeping the communist island . But expectations are high that Carter also will work behind the scenes to secure the release of American contractor Alan Gross , who was recently sentenced to 15 years in a Cuban prison . Unlike his first visit in 2002 , when then-President Fidel Castro personally greeted Carter on the tarmac , this time Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez was on hand to receive the former American leader . The Carter Center has called the three-day trip a non-governmental mission at the invitation of the Cuban government . On Monday afternoon , he met with Jewish leaders and the archbishop of Havana , Cardinal Jaime Ortega . Carter declined to comment Monday when reporters asked him about Gross , shouting , `` There will be a press conference later . '' A press conference is scheduled for Wednesday . Cuba accuses the U.S. Agency for International Development subcontractor of `` subversive '' work connecting people to the internet illegally , with the ultimate goal of undermining the government . Washington says he was simply helping the Jewish community connect to the worldwide web and has repeatedly said that bilateral relations can not improve until Gross is released . Carter visited the Patronato Jewish center and Temple Beth Shalom . When Adela Dworin , the president of the temple , was asked if they discussed Gross , she said : `` We did n't talk about politics . We told him about the Jewish community in Cuba , how many members it has , how we openly practice our religion , etc . '' Secretary of State Hillary Clinton met with Carter before his departure to discuss the issue , according to Molly Koscina , a spokeswoman for the U.S . Interests Section in Havana . `` We hope President Carter will urge the Cuban government to immediately release Mr . Gross on humanitarian grounds , '' she told CNN . On Tuesday , Carter will have a face-to-face session with President Raul Castro . In many ways , the time is ripe . Castro has launched a major shakeup of the nation 's Soviet-style economic model , paving the way for more small businesses and private enterprise . And just last week , Cuba released the last of 75 dissidents jailed in a 2003 crackdown on the opposition that prompted worldwide condemnation . So at least in theory , two of the major obstacles to bilateral negotiations have been lifted .
NEW : Carter visits a Jewish cemetery and temple and meets with the archbishop of Havana . The meeting is officially to strengthen bilateral relations . However , there are hopes the vice - president may try to negotiate for an American prisoner . The U.S. contractor was recently sentenced to 15 years in prison .