(Washington) – The United States and Cuba moved to end five decades of Cold War hostility, agreeing to revive diplomatic ties in a surprise breakthrough that would also ease a crippling US trade embargo.
In the wake of a prisoner exchange, President Barack Obama said Washington was ready for a “new chapter” in relations with Cuba and would re-establish its embassy in Havana, shuttered since 1961.
Castro, speaking at the same time in Havana, confirmed that the two states had “agreed to re-establish diplomatic ties.”
“President Obama´s decision deserves the respect and acknowledgement of our people,” Castro said.