President Barack Obama arrives in Cuba on Sunday for a historic visit, venturing into what was once enemy territory where a Communist government that vilified the US for decades has prepared a red-car
President Barack Obama arrives in Cuba on Sunday for a historic visit, venturing into what was once enemy territory where a Communist government that vilified the US for decades has prepared a red-carpet welcome.
The three-day trip, the first by a US President in 88 years, was unthinkable until Mr Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro agreed in December 2014 to end an estrangement that began when Cuba’s revolution ousted a pro-American government in 1959.
Plainclothes police have blanketed the capital with security while asphalt has been laid down in a city where drivers joke they must navigate “potholes with streets.”
Welcome signs with images of Mr Obama alongside Mr Castro popped up in colonial Old Havana, where the President and his family will tour on Sunday.
Since rapprochement, the two sides have restored diplomatic ties, signed commercial deals on telecommunications and scheduled airline service, and expanded cooperation on law enforcement and environmental protection.
“Mr Obama has been brave for agreeing to relations with Cuba,” said schoolteacher Elena Gonzalez.
