First Round of Talks Between US, Cuban Officials ‘Positive and Productive’
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iStock/Thinkstock(HAVANA) — The first round of talks between U.S. and Cuban officials regarding the normalization of relations were “positive and productive,” according to Roberta Jacobson, assistant secretary of state for the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs.
Officials from the two nations met on Thursday for the first time since President Obama announced talks to restore the relationship between the U.S. and Cuba in December. Jacobson said that both sides “discussed in real and concrete terms the required steps for the re-establishment of diplomatic relations.” Among the specific topics of conversation were the opening of embassies in the two respective countries and how the U.S. would expect an embassy in Havana to operate.
In a statement, Jacobson noted that actions taken by the U.S. Treasury and Commerce departments last week “demonstrate the breadth and depth to which the United States has already implemented the President’s commitment to a new direction for United States policy on Cuba.”
Jacobson called the efforts to normalize relations “a continuing process that goes beyond establishing diplomatic relations or opening an embassy.” Still, she said that Thursday represents “further steps in this new direction.”
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