President Geingob commended US President, Barrack Obama for initiating the United States – Cuban thaw. The thaw opened the door for the restoration of full diplomatic relations between Cuba and the US after 54 years of hostility, resulting in the economic blockade. Although trade embargo can only be ended by the U.S. Congress, the Obama administration took executive action to relax restrictions on travel to Cuba and restrictions on the import and export of goods.