Letter From Cuban President Raúl Castro Ruz To The President Of The United States

Havana, July 1, 2015
Honorable Mr. Barack H. Obama
President of the United States of America
Mr. President:
In accordance with the announcements made on December 17, 2014 and high-level conversation between our governments, it pleases me to confirm to you that the Republic of Cuba has decided to reestablish diplomatic relations with the United States of America and open permanent diplomatic missions in our respective countries, on July 20, 2015.

In making this decision, Cuba is encouraged by reciprocal intention to develop respectful and cooperative relations between our two peoples and governments.

Cuba likewise draws inspiration from the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and international law, namely, sovereign equality; the settlement of disputes by peaceful means; abstention from acts or threat of aggression or the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of States; non-interference in the internal affairs of States; the promotion of friendly relations among nations based on respect for the principles of equal rights and self-determination of the peoples; cooperation in solving international problems; and promotion and encouragement of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all.

The above stated principles are in accordance with the spirit and norms established in the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of April 18, 1961 and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations of April 24, 1963, to which both the Republic of Cuba and the United States of America are parties, and will govern diplomatic and consular relations between the Republic of Cuba and the United States of America.

I take this opportunity to extend to you, Mr. President, the assurance of our consideration.

Raúl Castro Ruz