Obama And Castro Meet Face To Face In Cuba Palace

President Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro met and shook hands at the Palace of the Revolution today in Cuba, marking a historic moment in the Obama presidency.

Obama arrived with the U.S. delegation and shook hands with Castro for about 30 seconds in front of the cameras as the two leaders spoke pleasantries for a few moments in front of the press.

A historically long handshake -> pic.twitter.com/oDL0fyCk4e

— Charlie Spiering (@charliespiering) March 21, 2016

“We had a great tour yesterday,” Obama told Castro, referring to the First Family’s sightseeing trip in Havana on Sunday. “Enjoyed it.”

“And we had a great dinner,” he added.

Susan Rice was also present as well as Secretary of State John Kerry, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker who also shook hands with Castro.

Both leaders listened as the national anthems of Cuba and the United States were played and reviewed the Cuban troops.

The leaders expect to meet and deliver statements to the press later this afternoon. It is unlikely that the press will be allowed to ask questions.