In a historical and landmark move, the United States has removed Cuba from its list of state sponsors of terrorism. The decision has eliminated a major obstacle toward restoring diplomatic ties. This move will pave way for normalizing and strengthening ties between US and Cuba, which were frozen for half a century after the Cuban missile crisis in 1962.

The removal has been one of Cuba’s key demands, as leaders from both countries have repeatedly met to negotiate the details of restoring diplomatic relations, including the opening of embassies in Washington and Havana.

Officials from both countries met in Washington, D.C. to try to finalize an agreement to reopen embassies in each other’s capitals. Cuba’s removal also means it will have more access to global financial markets and loans from international organizations such as the World Bank.