La Paz, August 15 (RHC) -- Bolivian President Evo Morales said Friday that hopefully the resumption of diplomatic relations between Cuba and the United States could facilitate the end of the U.S. blockade on the island.

Morales, who returned Friday to La Paz from Havana, was hopeful about the end of Washington's sanctions against Cuba and praised the Cuban people's strong will against U.S. interference.

Morales made the remarks during the opening in the city of Cochabamba of the seventh Assembly of the Association of Councilwomen of Bolivia (Acobol). He also referred to the reopening of the U.S. Embassy in Havana by U.S. Secretary of State as a victory of the Cuban people and the strength and guidance of the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro.

"In the past 54 years, Fidel Castro has made the United States respect him and now they are resuming diplomatic relations," said Morales, who met with Fidel for over five hours on the occasion of his 89th birthday on Thursday.

Morales also highlighted Fidel Castro's solidarity with countries around the world and said that with its policy, Cuba became a model in the region, despite the U.S. economic, financial and commercial blockade.