CRI听力:Cubans Welcome Embassies' Opening

Residents in the Cuban capital Havana have watched on television the opening of the country's embassy in Washington as the two former Cold War foes formally restored relations.

Many say they had waited for so long to see the historic moment.

"I am very happy, it is an historic moment that cannot be forgotten, at least I will not forget it until the last day of my life. It will always be inside me, a happy memory until I die."

The U.S. Embassy was also reopened for business in Havana with no outward sign of change.

Some Cubans gathered outside the embassy waving "Welcome USA" banners and sporting T-shirts which displayed the two flags side by side.

At the same time, hundreds of Cubans seeking visas queued outside the US embassy.

Many of those in the queue in hope that the increase in status of the mission in Havana, from Interests Section to Embassy, will improve their chances of being able to travel between Cuba and the US.

"It is a chance not to leave permanently, but to travel instead with an open five-year visa. More possibilities for Cubans and international relations between the two countries."

The change so far is largely symbolic, with a formal ceremony scheduled for mid-August when the American flag will be raised over the embassy in the presence of US Secretary of State John Kerry.