Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper (Reuters Photo)
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper welcomed moves to end the decades-old US-Cuba standoff Wednesday, noting Ottawa's role in hosting negotiators from the two countries for the breakthrough talks.
"Canada was pleased to host the senior officials from the United States and Cuba, which permitted them the discretion required to carry out these important talks," Harper said in a statement.
The two countries have not had diplomatic ties since 1961, and the first meeting between Cuban and American diplomats was in June 2013 in Canada. Several other meetings have been held there since then.
"I wish to congratulate the Government of the United States and the Government of Cuba on their successful dialogue and negotiations which will lead to normalized relations between their two countries," Harper said.
"Canada supports a future for Cuba that fully embraces the fundamental values of freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law."
Canada is one of the few countries in the Americas never to have broken off diplomatic relations with Cuba after Fidel Castro-led communists took power in 1959.
US tourists interested in traveling to the island -- which is restricted under US law -- have often used Canada as a transit point.