The United States and Cuba have agreed to formally reestablish diplomatic relations and reopen embassies, U.S. President Barack Obama said Wednesday.
美国总统奥巴马周三宣布，美国与古巴将正式恢复外交关系并重开大使馆。
"This is a historic step in our efforts to normalize relations with the Cuban government and people, and begin a new chapter with our neighbors in the Americas," Obama said at the White House.
"With this change, we will be able to substantially increase our contacts with the Cuban people," Obama said, adding that U.S. diplomats will have the ability to engage more broadly across the island country.
He added that Secretary of State John Kerry will travel to Havana later this summer to raise the American flag over the U.S. embassy.
In a letter to Cuban leader Raul Castro dated June 30, Obama said the two countries have decided to re-establish diplomatic relations and permanent diplomatic missions in respective countries on July 20. Castro confirmed the decision in a letter to Obama.
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