Obama, Cuba's Raul Castro discuss advancing cooperation, new U.S. trade rules

Sep 24, 2015 Cuban President Raul Castro and U.S. President Barack Obama recently had a phone meeting ahead of Pope Francis’ visit to their countries.

According a press release by the Cuban authorities, the two leaders talked about the recently restored diplomatic relations between the former Cold War enemies and the upcoming U.N. General Assembly where both leaders are due to speak.

During the phone conversation, the Cuban president stressed Cuba’s willingness to move its relationship with the United States forward, based on respect and sovereign equality.