US President Barack Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro held historic talks in Panama today, the first meeting between leaders of the Cold War-era enemies since the 1950s.
The two presidents met on the sidelines of the Summit of the Americas after making conciliatory speeches in front of some 30 regional leaders.
President Obama spoke first after they sat down, thanking President Castro for his "spirit of openness", while the communist leader said: "We are willing to discuss everything but we need to be patient, very patient."
Earlier President Obama said his shift on Cuba policy marks a "turning point" for the region.
"This shift in US policy represents a turning point for our entire region. The fact that (Cuban) President (Raul) Castro and I are both sitting here today marks a historic occasion," he said.
The US State Department has recommended that Cuba be taken off the terrorism list, a US Senate Foreign Relations Committee aide said.
President Obama is expected to agree, although it is not clear whether he will announce it during the summit.
He has already used his executive authority to ease some trade and travel restrictions, and is seeking to encourage small businesses in Cuba by allowing more exports there.
The US president is also expected to raise the issue of political reforms in Cuba.
Yesterday, the leaders shook hands a symbolically charged gesture as the pair seek to restore ties between the Cold War foes.
A photograph showed President Obama and President Castro, both wearing dark suits, chatting in a small group of leaders at the summit’s opening ceremony.
A White House official confirmed the two men shook hands and spoke briefly.
"This was an informal interaction and there was not a substantive conversation between the two leaders," the official said.
