Quito, August 15 (RHC) -- The Government of Ecuador congratulated the United States and Cuba on the decision to reopen their diplomatic missions in their respective capitals after 54 years of broken diplomatic relations.

With the reopening of the embassy of Cuba in Washington last July 20th and of the U.S. diplomatic mission in Havana today, both nations began a new phase of their bilateral relations, the Ecuadorean Foreign Ministry said.

Ecuador reiterated its demand for the United States to end as quickly as possible the inhumane blockade that has caused serious damage to the Cuban people, and return the territory occupied by the U.S. Naval Base in Guantanamo.

The actions taken by Cuba and the United States contribute to the strengthening of friendly relations and cooperation, regulated by international law, which will benefit their peoples and the region.