President Barack Obama is expected to visit Cuba next month as the two countries continue their efforts to normalize relations after a half-century of Cold War opposition.
The White House is planning to make the announcement as early as Thursday.
Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro announced in late 2014 that they would begin normalizing ties.
The Obama administration is eager to make rapid progress on building trade and diplomatic ties with Cuba before Obama leaves office. The two nations signed a deal Tuesday restoring commercial air traffic for the first time in five decades.
Obama would be the first sitting president to visit Cuba since 1928, according to CNBC.
News Channel 8’s Jeff Patterson is currently in Cuba. See his reports:
- News Channel 8 is there as US, Cuba sign deal on commercial flights
- News Channel 8 awaits US transportation secretary in Cuba
- 8 On Your Side watches pope’s arrival in Cuba
- Jeff Patterson, Tampa Bay area delegation visit Cuba
More News Channel 8 Cuba reporting:
This is not the first time Jeff has been to Cuba. Click here for amazing photos, including of old cars, from his last trip.
News Channel 8’s Gene Ramirez has also reported from Cuba. Read his coverage here.SEE PHOTOS FROM GENE’S TRIP:
- Pope Francis Visits Cuba
- U.S. flag raised at embassy in Cuba
- WFLA anchor Gene Ramirez visits Cuba
- #GeneInCuba – WFLA Gene Ramirez reports from Cuba
READ MORE NEWS CHANNEL 8 CUBA COVERAGE
- Cuban doctors travel to Tampa despite travel restrictions
- Port Tampa Bay poised for more business with Cuba
- Fiery debate held in Tampa over U.S.-Cuba relations
- Tampa travelers excited over U.S. and Cuba deal restoring commercial flights
- Talks between Cuba and U.S. over property may not benefit all
