US President Barack Obama’s historic visit to Cuba is expected to end half a century of hostilities between the two countries and redefine US policies on Cuba.
President Obama is the first US President visiting Cuba since 1928. During his 3-day visit to Cuba starting on March 21, Obama will told talks with Cuban President Raul Castro, meet with Cuban businesses, deliver a live speech on Cuba’s national TV, and attend a friendly baseball match between American Tampa Bay Rays team and Cuba’ national team.
Washington and Havana have had a number of positive moves to prepare for the visit. The US has eased travel restrictions on Cuban citizens and allowed Havana to access American financial organizations and eased the use of the USD in transactions in Cuba. Cuba decided to remove the 10% penalty levied on the USD in currency exchanges.
The US President’s visit to Cuba is a step forward in removing barriers between the two countries, paving the way for trade cooperation and relation normalization.
Their businesses have signed contracts on telecommunications and opening flights. The biggest obstacle is the US’s economic sanctions imposed on Cuba over the past 54 years. President Obama’s request to lift the embargo has been obstructed by Republican senators.
In the medium term, President Obama’s visit will create a more dynamic intervention policy on Cuba and Latin America. Analysts say it would be a legacy for Hillary Clinton if she wins Democrat nomination and succeeds President Obama after the November election.
If she wins, the US’s embargo on Cuba will possibly be removed quickly. Analysts say full normalization of Cuba-US diplomatic relations will contribute to easing tensions in the western hemisphere.
