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Canada played a crucial role in the secret negotiations that restored U.S.-Cuban diplomatic relations after more than 50 years, hosting seven back-channel meetings that brought the neighbours out of their Cold War-era isolation.

Senior American and Cuban officials began meeting in Ottawa and Toronto 18 months ago, officials said, paving the way for a deal announced Wednesday that will see the U.S. open an embassy in Havana and begin lifting sanctions.

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Both U.S. President Barack Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro thanked the Canadian government for facilitating the high-level talks. Canada did not participate directly in the negotiations, the officials said.

“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,” Prime Minister Stephen Harper said after the surprise announcement.