Monday, December 21st 2015. 2015 was named as the “Thawing year” for USA and Cuba, since diplomatic relations between them have been re-established after more than 5 decades of confrontation.
Now, they both recognize each other as neighboring countries that have reopened their embassies, establishing bilateral dialog channels in order to keep moving towards the normalization of their relations, in which the main hurdle continues to be the island’s economic embargo.
After more than half a century of struggle between the two nations, both appointed representatives have already met in a friendly setting to discuss certain political matters proper to their functions. Cuba’s waving flags can already be seen in Washington’s diplomatic headquarters; likewise, the American flag waves in Havana’s diplomatic headquarters.
All of this has been accomplished after four rounds of negotiations held in Cuba in January and March; and in Washington in February and May; under the leadership of two ladies: Josefina Vidal, Chairman to the Cuban Chancellery for North America; and Roberta Jacobson, sub secretary of State for Latin America.
The VII Americas Summit was held in Panama this past April 11th; where for the first time all the countries of the American continent came together, including Cuba; moreover, it is the first meeting between Barack Obama and Raúl Castro. The following image is memorable, being called the Picture of the Thawing.
However, Cuba insists that in order for their relations with USA to be completely open, they must lift the economic embargo currently over the island. Obama, in turn, recognizes the policy is old-fashioned; but admits it’s not just up to him, as it is also tied to the American Congress, but promised to bring the matter to the congress. In the meantime, some aspects of the block have been loosened such as the mitigation of some export regulations, currency trade and American citizen travel rights to Havana.
Some of these measures have already produced positive results, for instance, in the first half of this year almost 90.000 Americans landed on Cuba with touristic purposes; which is roughly a 54% higher visit record than in 2014. Likewise, members of the government like Kerry or the secretaries of Commerce and Agriculture, Penny Pritzker and Thomas Vilsack respectively have set foot on the Island; along with the governors of New York, Arkansas, Texas and some entrepreneurial missions from other states.
On the other hand, halting conflicts between the two countries has granted Cuba certain popularity in the international scope; having received important people such as the President of France, Françoise Hollande; Italy, Matteo Renzi; as well as several other politicians and companies from all over the world.
ALFA