Havana, January 21 (RHC-teleSUR) -- The United States must remove Cuba from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, a top Cuban official said ahead of historic talks on Wednesday.

The foreign ministry official described Washington's continued inclusion of Cuba on the controversial list as “unfair” and a “contradiction,” according to this morning's edition of Granma newspaper. Along with Cuba, the list includes Syria, Iran and Sudan.

Another official  -- who also spoke to the press on the condition on anonymity -- explained that the upcoming round negotiations won't “normalize” bilateral relations.

“Cuba is re-establishing diplomatic relations with the U.S. The process of normalization is much longer and deeper,” the official stated. The U.S. blockade of Cuba must be totally dismantled before relations can be completely normalized, the official said.

While arguing “there's still a long way to go” before the two countries resume normal relations, the official praised Washington for taking “steps in the right direction,” and expressed optimism for the future of bilateral ties.

Wednesday's meeting is set to be a major test of U.S. President Barack Obama's pledge to revive relations with Havana, after decades of U.S. attempts to overthrow the government in Havana.

Along with the blockade and terror list, other issues likely to be broached in the meeting include migration reform, and plans to trade embassies.

The Obama administration has already announced plans to loosen trade and investment restrictions, along with easing a long standing travel ban.