HAVANA (Sputnik) – The video was published Saturday on the Facebook page of the US Embassy in Cuba.
"The President on Friday filmed a skit featuring a popular Havana-based Cuban comedian known as "Panfilo"… As part of his comedy routine, regularly attempts to place calls to the President. While Panfilo's attempts are typically thwarted, he encountered success on Friday," the White House said.
In the video, Panfilo is trying to make a phone call to the Meteorological Center in Casa Blanca (white house in Spanish) to find out if it will rain on the day of the baseball exhibition game between the US Tampa Bay Rays and the Cuban National team, expected to be attended by Obama. Panfilo reaches Obama in the White House in Washington instead.
After a short moment of disbelief, the comedian tells Obama that he is glad about the upcoming visit.
"I am looking forward to it. The American people and the Cuban people are friends," the US President answered.
Panfilio then advises Obama not to bring a lot of luggage in order not to get stuck in the airport, and then offers him a ride in Chevrolet of the year 1958 or in a newer car, Russian "Moskvich," and even invites him to stay at his house.
Obama will be the first sitting US president to visit Cuba since Calvin Coolidge in 1928.
Obama is expected to meet on Monday with Cuban President Raul Castro to discuss a range of issues, including progress on restoring diplomatic ties and commercial opportunities between the United States and Cuba.
Obama is also scheduled to meet with Cuban Cardinal Jaime Ortega, dissidents and entrepreneurs.
