US President Barack Obama late on Saturday met with Cuban President Raul Castro, the first talks at the highest level between the two countries, after more than 50 years.
Obama has described their private meeting in Panama, on the margins of American summit as "historic", saying that the two countries could end up antagonism of the Cold War period.
"This is clearly historic meeting. The history between the United States and Cuba is clearly complicated, and over the years has developed a huge mistrust. But over the course of several months, there have been contacts between the governments of the United States and Cuba, and in December, following a basic work, we both, I and President Castro, we announced a significant change in policy and in relations between our two governments, "said President Barack Obama, during his meeting with Raul Castro in Panama City, USA.
In December of last year, the two top leaders agreed to renew diplomatic relations severed by Washington in 1961.
Further, Obama said remain "deep differences and important" between the two governments.
"Now, of course there will still be differences profound and important between our two governments. We will continue to try to ask questions about democracy and human rights. And, as you heard from the president's impassioned speech Castro this morning, they, too, will raise concerns about the policy of the United States ".
"But I think what we both have concluded, is that if we can have disagreements with the spirit of respect and civility, and that while it is possible for us to turn the page and develop new relationships in the our two countries, "said Obama.
On the other hand, Cuba's President Raul Castro, said that for everything "can be discussed at the table".
"I think what President Obama once said, is virtually the same that we feel for the issues, including human rights, freedom of the press. We have said on several previous occasions, some American friends that we will discuss each issue between the United States and Cuba ".
"We are ready to discuss these issues that I mentioned and many others, both in Cuba and in the United States. I think that everything can be on the table," said Raul Castro, during his meeting with US President Barack Obama.
However, President Castro said that the reports of the two countries have not had "illusions".
"I think we can do, as President Obama said, regarding the ideas of others. We can listen to some things, for others, we probably would not obey. But when I say that I agree with all that once the president said, including what we agreed to disagree. Nobody should expect illusions ".
"It is true that we have many differences. Our countries have a long history and complicated, but we are willing to make progress, as described President," said 83-year-old president, Raul Castro, who took the post of leader of Cuba in 2008, after his elder brother Fidel Castro, left for health reasons.
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