The US and Cuba commenced historic talks on Thursday, in an attempt to restore diplomatic ties after the presidents of the two nations announced a new era of engagement on December 17 last year.
Leading the American delegation, US Secretary of State, Roberta Jackson, said, “We have to overcome more than 50 years of a relationship that was not based on confidence or trust, so there are things we have to discuss before we can establish that relationship and so there will be future conversations.”
During the talks, Cuba insisted that it be removed from the US list of state sponsors of terrorism before re-establishing full diplomatic ties, reports Reuters.
Calling the discussions “respective” and “professional” the director of US affairs at the Cuban foreign ministry, Josefina Vidal, said, “this process is about the establishment of civilised relations between the two countries with profound differences.”
Ms Jacobson’s visit marks the first time in 38 years that a US official of her rank has visited Cuba on official business.
Leading the American delegation, US Secretary of State, Roberta Jackson, said, “We have to overcome more than 50 years of a relationship that was not based on confidence or trust, so there are things we have to discuss before we can establish that relationship and so there will be future conversations.”
During the talks, Cuba insisted that it be removed from the US list of state sponsors of terrorism before re-establishing full diplomatic ties, reports Reuters.
Calling the discussions “respective” and “professional” the director of US affairs at the Cuban foreign ministry, Josefina Vidal, said, “this process is about the establishment of civilised relations between the two countries with profound differences.”
Ms Jacobson’s visit marks the first time in 38 years that a US official of her rank has visited Cuba on official business.