“We are certain that the time is now to reach out to one another, as two peoples who are no longer enemies or rivals, but neighbors – time to unfurl our flags, raise them up, and let the world know that we wish each other well,” said U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, in both English and Spanish, at the ceremonial flag raising to reopen the country’s embassy in Havana.
Kerry recalled the history of relations between the two countries since 1959, and thanked Switzerland for its support to the U.S. Interests Section which became an embassy when diplomatic relations were restored, this past July 20. He likewise had words of praise for Josefina Vidal, the Cuban Foreign Ministry’s director for the United States, who has led the diplomatic team conducting talks to reestablish relations.
Ferry said in Spanish, “We know the road toward fully normalized relations is a long one, but that is precisely why we must begin at this very instant.”
He continued, “My friends, we are gathered here today because our leaders – President Obama and President Castro – made a courageous decision to stop being prisoners of history and to focus on the opportunities of today and tomorrow,” adding later in his remarks, “Let me be clear: The establishment of normal diplomatic relations is not something one government does as a favor to another; it is something that two countries do together when the citizens of both will benefit.”
