Washington, D.C.—On December 17, the United States and Cuba will mark an important date: the two-year anniversary of the historic announcement that the two nations would restore diplomatic relations. The shift in policy that began two years ago has led to growing ties in politics, business, and among the people of Cuba and the United States.
This date also marks the first anniversary of the creation of the bipartisan Cuba Working Group, a group of Republicans and Democrats that promote greater engagement with Cuba in the House of Representatives.
As a research and advocacy organization that has monitored U.S.-Cuba policy for decades, WOLA (the Washington Office on Latin America) has closely documented the process of normalizing relations, as well as the efforts in Congress to expand ties between the two countries. On the occasion of this anniversary WOLA has prepared a series to describe changes on both sides of the Florida Straits, including:
- A commentary piece exploring the momentum behind growing ties between the two countries, including recent activities by the Cuban Working Group in Congress.
- A factsheet with an overview of economic gains that the United States stands to benefit from normalizing relations with Cuba and increasing trade, travel and cultural exchanges.
- A look at the extent and impact of the reforms Cuba has implemented in recent years.
WOLA Program Director Geoff Thale is currently leading a delegation in Havana looking at security cooperation between the two countries and the growing engagement between the people of Cuba and the United States. To interview Mr. Thale please contact Loren Riesenfeld at press@wola.org.
