The European Union has ended a 20-year block on diplomatic relations with Cuba following the death of Fidel Castro.
European Commission officials have agreed to drop a policy, in place since 1996, that said Cuba must first improve its human rights standards before co-operating more closely with the EU.
The country had been the only Latin American state not to have a "dialogue and co-operation" deal with the EU.
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla, European Union foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini and representatives from the 28 EU member states signed the agreement at a Brussels ceremony.
The EU imposed sanctions on Cuba in 2003 and reopened discussions in 2008.
Parrilla said the agreement "demonstrates that with goodwill and respect it is possible to make progress and resolve differences," France 24 reported.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Josh is a staff writer covering Europe, including politics, policy, immigration and more.
To read how Newsweek uses AI as a newsroom tool, Click here.
