US and Cuba to hold talks on opening embassies Published duration 15 May 2015

image copyright Getty Images image caption The historic thaw in relations between the two countries was announced in December 2014

The US State Department has said that US and Cuban negotiators will meet next Thursday to discuss re-establishing embassies in each other's capitals.

The talks will focus on the practical measures needed to reopen embassies in Havana and Washington.

Last month President Barack Obama said Cuba would be removed from the US list of state sponsors of terrorism.

Havana had said it needed to be taken off the list before talks to reopen embassies could begin.

In a statement the State Department said it will host a Cuban delegation on 21 May.

"A US Embassy in Havana will allow the United States to more effectively promote our interests and values, and increase engagement with the Cuban people."