Cuba and the United States have made history when Cuban Leader Raul Castro and U.S. President Barack Obama sat down at a regional summit in Panama to talk and take the first steps towards the restoration of diplomatic ties.

The meeting between the two countries' leaders was the first of its kind in nearly 60 years. For over an hour, the two sat together and spoke just spoke.

Like Us on Facebook

While talking may not be seen as something hard to do, the moment was elevated to a level of symbolical significance bolstered by shores of time lost to a quarrel rooted in the Cold War.

The talks did not come from out of the blue though. The meeting was a result of two years' worth of secret talks and hushed diplomacy. The mood was a positive one everywhere.

Obama indicated that the Cold War is over. He also added that the Cuban people stand to benefit from opening up commerce, travel, and people-to-people exchanges.

Leaders of Latin America praised Obama for ending hostility with the Communist-led Island. Obama was also pleased in the talks with Cuba as it could be a huge success story for engaging with foes of the United States.

While the talks indicated a move towards a peaceful coexistence between the two nations, Castro openly admitted that there are still numerous differences between the United States and Cuba.

The economic embargo of the United States is still in place and has blocked nearly all trade between the two nations for decades. At the same time, Cuba has a long list of human rights records that still irks the people in Washington.

However, the younger brother of revolutionary leader Fidel Castro added that they were willing to talk about everything patience.

"A lot of patience," he said.

It may take years for overall relations to normalize, as Cuba has shown no signs of widening political rights, while any businesses from the United States who want to set up shop in Cuba need the government's approval.

Both the U.S. and Cuba are cautious with all of their moves moving forward.

TagsU.S., Cuba, Panama summit, Cold War, Raul Castro, Barack Obama