WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The restoration of diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba will not affect Russia’s improved position and influence in Latin America nor will it impact Moscow’s close ties with Havana, experts told Sputnik.
“Russia has enhanced ties in Latin America in recent years so this move does not do much to harm Russia’s status in the region,” University of Kansas Political Science Department Chairperson Don Haider-Markel told Sputnik on Thursday.
On Friday, US Secretary of State John Kerry will travel to Cuba to participate in the US embassy reopening ceremony in Havana.
Florida International University Cuban Research Institute Associate Director Sebastian Arcos told Sputnik that Washington’s normalization of relations with Havana will not change Cuba’s relationship with Russia in any way.
“The Cuban regime is still closer ideologically to Russia than to the United States, and will continue to act accordingly,” Arcos noted.
Arcos also pointed out that Washington has shifted its stance to accommodate the rapprochement with Havana, and not the other way around.
“Keep in mind that in this normalization process… the United States [is] the party that changed its policies,” Arcos explained. “The Cubans have not changed anything.”
Kerry’s visit comes after President Barack Obama announced in December 2014 his intention to normalize US relations with Cuba. The decision includes reopening embassies and lifting the trade and travel embargo on Cuba.
