During the ceremony raising the American flag over the newly opened U.S. embassy in Cuba, Secretary of State John Kerry encouraged the Castro brothers and the Cuban people to join the fight against climate change.

“After all we are neighbors, and neighbors will always have much to discuss,” Kerry said, pointing to serious, tough, complex issues like protecting the marine environment and the fight against climate change.

Kerry thanked world leaders for working together to bring the two countries back together again, especially President Obama.

“I applaud President Obama and President Castro both for having the courage to bring us together in the face of considerable opposition,” he said.

Secretary Kerry arrived in Cuba this morning, his remarks preceded by the head of the embassy (but not ambassador until Congress confirms him), Jeffrey DeLaurentis. Following his remarks, U.S. Marines raised the American flag over Havana.