Washington, July 20 (RHC) –- The Embassy of Cuba in the U.S. capital, Washington, DC was inaugurated on Monday, July 20th, in a ceremony that saw the Cuban flag being raised once again after an absence of more than 50 years.

The event was presided over by Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez. A Cuban delegation of diplomats, artists and veterans of the Cuban Revolution were also in attendance to commemorate the breakthrough with about 500 guests.

The U.S. Interests Section in Havana was also upgraded to embassy level on Monday, but an official opening ceremony will wait for the visit of the U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, slated for mid-August.

On Monday, Kerry meets his Cuban counterpart, Bruno Rodriguez, to discuss the course of events now that both countries have re-established formal diplomatic relations.

The Cuban and U.S. heads of their respective Interests Sections -– now Embassies -- will became charges d'affaires until ambassadors are named.