(Image source from: Handshake between US President Barack Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro})

With a cordial evening handshake, US President Barack Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro moved towards a ground-breaking meeting on the sidelines of the Summit of the America in what would be a remarkable display of reconciliation between the two nations. The powerful symbolism of a substantial exchange between the leaders with the leadership of the Western Hemisphere gathered around them could signal progress.

The White House said the interaction was informal and they didn't engage in substantive conversation. The two men were expected to speak further, the first extended conversation between the leaders of the US and Cuba in more than 50 years.

"As the United States begins a new chapter in our relationship with Cuba, we hope it will create an environment that improves the lives of the Cuban people," American Premier told the gathering, which included Cuban dissidents. "Not because it is imposed by us, the United States, but through the talent and ingenuity and aspirations and the conversations among Cubans from all walks of life so they can decide what the best course is for their prosperity."

The US - Cuban outreach entered a new, accelerated stage in recent days, with Obama speaking with Castro by phone and US Secretary of State John Kerry holding a lengthy meeting with Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez. The Cuban foreign ministry issued a brief account of the Kerry - Rodriguez meeting, saying they met for nearly three hours in a "respectful and constructive atmosphere."

The flurry of diplomacy around the summit was recognition of the historic nature of the new relationship intended to end five decades of American presidents either isolating or working to overthrow Fidel Castro's government. Removing Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terror would be a major milestone. The sensitivities over Cuba are acute in Florida, a key presidential battleground and they are likely to ignite vigorous debate among the presidential candidates. Rep. Jeff Duncan, the chairman of a House panel on the Western Hemisphere, criticized taking Cuba off the list. And Sen. Lindsey Graham, who is among Republicans considering a presidential bid, decried the expected Obama - Castro meeting and called the Cuban leader an "entrenched dictator."

"President Obama is going to leave a legacy the way he is supporting Hispanics in the United States and also his new policy for Cuba for us is very important," said Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela.

By Premji