Tim Kaine statement on announcement of formal U.S.-Cuba relations

U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement on the President’s announcement of an agreement re-establishing formal diplomatic relations with Cuba.

“Today’s announcement of an agreement re-establishing formal relations and opening embassies between the United States and Cuba marks the beginning of a new era in American diplomacy in Latin America. I’m confident a policy of engagement rather than isolation will be more effective in advancing American interests and democratic values in Cuba. The United States, Cuba and Virginia stand to benefit from this renewed relationship, which will bring about increased trade and travel as well as an exchange of ideas that has been missing for 54 years. The normalization of U.S.-Cuba ties will also remove an obstacle that has often limited American diplomacy with other nations in the Western Hemisphere.”