President Barack Obama arrived in Cuba on Sunday (Mar 20) for a three day visit, Reuters reported, ending an estrangement and being the first U.S. president to visit Cuba in 88 years.
The two countries are former Cold War foes and there is history of hostility between the two. The enmity started when the Cuban revolution ousted a pro-American government in 1959.
Obama's visit was initiated as a diplomatic opening announced by Obama and President of Cuba Raul Castro in December 2014.
It was raining as Obama, with his family, visited downtown.
Obama has abandoned a long time policy to isolate Cuba.
As Obama visited Cuba, one person called out "down with the blockade!" referring to the embargo that has been there between Cuba and the US for the past 54 years. Obama has appealed to congress to rescind this embargo but has faced resistance from the Republican leadership.
The Democratic president's visit to Cuba has also been the subject to criticism, with critics saying the trip is not going to bring about concessions from Cuba on the subjects of rights and economic freedom.
President Obama landed at Havana's Jose Marti International Airport in Air Force One, the presidential jet. This is a sight almost unimaginable not too long ago on the island.
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez met the president of the United States. The welcoming ceremony in all its formality took place yesterday, Monday (Mar 21) when Obama met with the Cuban president at his presidential palace.
Obama was set to have talks with Castro, and with business owners on Monday. He was also scheduled to attend an exhibition baseball game on Tuesday (Mar 22).
President Obama was accompanied by first lady Michelle Obama, her mother and their daughters, Sasha and Malia. They dined at the San Cristobal restaurant.
The president's itinerary also included a 40-minute address to the Cuban people, held at the National Theater and expected to be broadcast live.
