With a cordial evening handshake, US President Barack Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro moved towards a ground-breaking meeting on the sidelines of the Summit of the America in what would be a remarkable display of reconciliation between the two nations. The powerful symbolism of a substantial exchange between the leaders with the leadership of the Western Hemisphere gathered around them could signal progress.

The White House said the interaction was informal and they didn't engage in substantive conversation. The two men were expected to speak further, the first extended conversation between the leaders of the US and Cuba in more than 50 years.

"As the United States begins a new chapter in our relationship with Cuba, we hope it will create an environment that improves the lives of the Cuban people," American Premier told the gathering, which included Cuban dissidents. "Not because it is imposed by us, the United States, but through the talent and ingenuity and aspirations and the conversations among Cubans from all walks of life so they can decide what the best course is for their prosperity."

The US - Cuban outreach entered a new, accelerated stage in recent days, with Obama speaking with Castro by phone and US Secretary of State John Kerry holding a lengthy meeting with Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez. The Cuban foreign ministry issued a brief account of the Kerry - Rodriguez meeting, saying they met for nearly three hours in a "respectful and constructive atmosphere."

By Premji