The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has congratulated sister Caribbean nation Cuba and the United States on their ongoing moves to normalise relations.

In a Statement to coincide with today’s reopening of the US Embassy in Havana, following the recent reopening of the Cuban Embassy in Washington D.C., CARICOM said it will continue to encourage both sides, with which it has close relations, to complete the normalisation process in the interest of regional and hemispheric harmony

See the full Statement:

ADVANCEMENT OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS BETWEEN CUBA AND THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) extends its congratulations to the United States of America and to our sister Caribbean nation Cuba, as they continue on the path towards their normalisation of relations. Today’s re-opening of the US Embassy in Havana, following the recent re-opening of the Cuban Embassy in Washington D.C, is another important diplomatic step forward towards bringing an end to the estrangement between the two neighbours.

The Community looks forward to even more positive action in this regard and in particular to the United States Congress removing the out-dated and unjust trade and economic embargo against Cuba. The Community has long supported this necessary step, and notes once again that the US Administration has restated its position in favour of such an action.

This long overdue rapprochement has the potential to bring about a positive and welcome sea- change in the dynamics of hemispheric relations. In harmony with the principled position taken 43 years ago by four CARICOM countries, and its position over the years, CARICOM will continue to encourage both sides, with which it has close relations, to complete the normalisation process in the interest of regional and hemispheric harmony.