Cuba and the United States to restore postal service after 52 years
A US State Department official said: 'We are eager to finish this important work, which will serve to bring the American and Cuban people closer together.'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Cuba and the United States will re-establish a direct postal service in the latest sign of a thawing in relations between the two countries.
The new pilot scheme will put in place direct mail flights in the coming weeks between the US and Cuba. Since 1963 the long-time adversaries have directed mail through a third country – usually Mexico or Canada – and the service was widely regarded as unreliable.
This follows a move earlier this year to restore direct phone line connections.
The two countries announced the programme in separate statements on Friday. A State Department official said to the Wall Street Journal: “We are eager to finish this important work, which will serve to bring the American and Cuban people closer together.”
The recently established Cuban embassy in Washington added to talks were “respectful, professional and constructive”.
The thawing in diplomatic relations comes after US President Barack Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro announced a series of steps in 2014 that have seen a historic realignment of the relationship between the two Cold War enemies.
In August this year the US reopened its embassy in Havana and Jose Cabanas became Cuba’s first ambassador to the US in 54 years.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments