President Obama announced on Wednesday that the United States and Cuba have reached an agreement to reopen embassies and reestablish formal diplomatic relations since severing ties back in 1961.
The President called the move “a historic step forward,” “yet another demonstration that we don’t have to be imprisoned by the past.”
“Today, I can announce that the United States has agreed to formally reestablish diplomatic relations with the Republic of Cuba,” said Obama. “This is a historic step forward to normalize relations with the Cuban government and people, and begin a new chapter with our neighbors in the Americas.”
“The progress that we mark today is yet another demonstration that we don’t have to be imprisoned by the past,” he continued.
“When something isn’t working, we can—and will—change."
Obama argued that, while there remain very real differences between our two countries, “the best way for America to support our values is through engagement” with Cuba.
“I strongly believe that the best way for America to support our values is through engagement,” he said.
“That’s why we’ve already taken steps to allow for greater travel, people-to-people and commercial ties between the United States and Cuba, and we will continue to do so going forward."
With the U.S. embargo on Cuba still in effect, Obama called on Congress to lift its sanctions, the President having already announced rules to ease restrictions on travel to Cuba back in January.
“Americans and Cubans alike are ready to move forward,” said Obama. “I believe it’s time for Congress to do the same.”
“After all, why should Washington stand in the way of our own people?” he added.
Obama went on to say that the isolationist approach “doesn’t work” and “hasn’t worked for 50 years.”
Later this summer, Secretary of State John Kerry will travel to Havana to formally raise the American flag over the U.S. Embassy in Cuba.
While the deal serves as a meaningful step forward in the eyes of President Obama and Cuban president Castro, there remain major roadblocks to normalizing relations—including the U.S. economic embargo on Cuba, the U.S. naval base on Guantanamo Bay, and the remaining restrictions on travel between the U.S. and Cuba.
For President Obama's full remarks, check out the video below.