Secretary-General Welcomes Reopening of Embassies in Havana, Washington, D.C., as Cuba, United States Restore Diplomatic Ties

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General welcomes the announcement today that Cuba and the United States will reopen embassies in Havana and Washington, D.C.  The restoration of diplomatic ties is an important step on the path towards the normalization of relations.

In keeping with the principles of its founding Charter, the United Nations supports efforts to promote harmonious and good neighbourly relations among States.  The Secretary-General hopes that this historic step will benefit the peoples of both countries.