Officials from the United States and Cuba have reached another historic milestone. They've officially restored diplomatic relations for the first time in over 50 years.
On Monday, the Cuban Interests Section in Washington became the Cuban Embassy. People broke into song as the flag went up over the building. On the same day, the U.S. Interests Section in Havana became the American Embassy.
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez met his U.S. counterpart John Kerry at the State Department. The two held a news conference.
(John Kerry / U.S. Secretary of State)
"... the Cold War ended long ago, and that the interests of both countries are better served by engagement than by estrangement, and that we have begun a process of full normalization that is sure to take time but will also benefit the people in both Cuba and the United States."
(Bruno Rodriguez / Cuban Foreign Minister)
"We both ratified our interest in normalizing bilateral relations, knowing that this will be a long and complex process which will require the willingness of both countries."
◆counterpart ～に相当する人（物）、～と同等の人（物）
◆news conference 記者会見
◆engagement 関与、関わり合い
◆estrangement 離反、仲たがい
◆willingness 意欲
