DHAKA: The United States and Cuba opened two days of historic talks in Havana on Wednesday to end decades of Cold War-era animosity and reestablish diplomatic relations.

The meetings in Havana follow the historic decision by US president Barack Obama and Cuban leader Raul Castro in December to seek normal diplomatic relations.

US deputy assistant secretary of state Alex Lee and Cuban foreign ministry official Josefina Vidal sat down for the first day of closed-door talks in the capital’s Convention Center, which will focus on migration issues.

Their opening remarks were not broadcast, reports The Straits Times.

BDST: 2112 HRS, JAN 21, 2015