US Secretary of State begins historic visit to Cuba

On August 14, US Secretary of State John Kerry arrived in the capital Havana, beginning an official visit to Cuba, as well as participating in the opening ceremony of the US Embassy.

This event is considered both historic and highly symbolic as it is the first visit to Cuba by a US Secretary of State since 1945 and takes place on the occasion of the two countries officially restoring diplomatic relations after decades of tension.

US Secretary of State John Kerry. Photo: AFP

Mr. John Kerry will attend the official opening ceremony of the US Embassy in the capital Havana and the US flag-raising ceremony, with the participation of government officials from both countries and members of the US Congress.

According to US State Department spokesman John Kirby, this is a historic day. The US and Cuba restored diplomatic relations and reopened embassies in each other's countries on July 20 after more than 54 years.

Also during the visit, Mr. Kerry will discuss with Cuban officials sensitive issues in the relationship between the two countries that have not had any official discussions in more than half a century, such as human rights, lifting the economic embargo, and issues related to the US naval base at Guantanamo Bay.

According to VOV