THE WHITE HOUSE December 14 2016 I am pleased to join in marking two years of progress since the historic decision made by the United States and Cuba to begin normalizing relations alter decades of con ict and isolation In 2014 the United States extended a hand of friendship to the Cuban people Our two countries have since worked toge the to restore diplomatic relations open embassies begin direct flights and mail service increase people-to people interaction cooperate bilaterally on a range of issues of mutual interest and open up space for to do business on the island These opportunities have been especially meaningful for Cuban Americans ho have reconnected with family and a land that they love I visited Cuba earlier this year and saw rsthand the common spirit that unites our peoples despite decades of differences the love we hold fog our families the pride we have for our countries and the shared cultute that comes from bemg neighbors I believe that the American 316 1315 and the                     National Security Archive    Suite 701  Gelman Library  The George Washington University    2130 H Street  NW  Washington  D C  20037    Phone  202 994‐7000  Fax  202 994‐7005  nsarchiv@gwu edu