US, Cuba restore diplomatic ties after 50-year feud

The United States and Cuba have ended a 50-year feud and agreed to restore diplomatic ties between the two countries.

US President Barack Obama and Cuba’s Raul Castro, after 18 months of secret talks, agreed to restore relations via a phone call on Tuesday, December 16, and formalized the arrangement on Wednesday.

Obama also called for an end to the long economic embargo on Cuba as both presidents approved a breakthrough prisoner exchange, the opening of embassies in each other's countries, and an easing of some restrictions on commerce.

The deal was facilitated by Canada and the Vatican and both Obama and Castro announced the reconciliation in simultaneous televised speeches.

Cuba and the United States became enemies after the 1959 revolution that brought Fidel Castro, the current president’s older brother, to power.