WASHINGTON, D.C.
The U.S. Department of State formally dropped Cuba from its list of state sponsors of terrorism.
Secretary of State John Kerry made Cuba's removal from the list official on Friday, May 29, but the move had been expected since President Obama's report to Congress on April 14, when he noted the country had not supported international terrorism in the last six months and agreed to not do so in the future.
The announcement is seen as a starting point for further diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Cuba and also allows for the opening of embassies. The U.S. trade embargo with Cuba is still in effect, but some trade barriers will be lifted as a result of the announcement.
"Our new direction provides new opportunities for Americans to travel to Cuba, and for U.S. businesses, which for too long have been unable to compete in Cuba or to bring U.S. products and services to improve the lives and living standards of the Cuban population," National Security Council spokesperson Bernadette Meehan wrote in a blog post related to the announcement on the official White House website.
While it will take time and further agreement, Cuba's removal from the terrorism list has potential to open up the country to U.S. meetings and tourism business. Meetings Focus Chief Content Director Tyler Davidson recently noted that Cuba saw a spike in planner interest at this year's IMEX Frankfurt event.
