The leaders of the US and Cuba have held their first formal meeting in more than half a century - clearing the way for a thawing of relations that seemed unthinkable to citizens of both countries only a few years ago.
US President Barack Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro met in a small conference room in Panama, where they sat side by side.
Mr Obama said the event was "obviously a historic meeting", adding that his country was ready to "turn the page" with Cuba on the past.
He said: "It was my belief it was time to try something new, that it was important for us to engage with Cuban government. And, more importantly, with Cuban people."
He thanked Mr Castro for his "spirit of openness" but warned that significant differences still remain.
Mr Castro said he was ready to discuss issues such as human rights and press freedom, saying: "Everything can be on the table."
But he warned that the two countries may "agreed to disagree" at times, adding that both sides must be "very patient".
The meeting was held on the sideline of the Summit of the Americas, which this year included Cuba for the first time.
It was not publicly announced in advance but White House officials had suggested the two leaders were hoping for an opportunity to meet while in Panama.
The meeting came just hours after the two shared a handshake as the summit opened.
Four months ago Mr Castro and Mr Obama simultaneously announced an ending of hostilities.
President Obama said starkly: "Fifty years of isolation hasn't worked."
It is expected that the US will soon agree to remove Cuba's name from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, something that would also open the door to loans and aid for the South American nation after decades of suffering under the trade embargo.
Fidel Castro came to power in 1959 after overthrowing the US-backed dictator Fulgencio Batista.
For half a century, the leader of the first communist country in the western hemisphere was a thorn in America's side.
In 2006, after abdominal surgery, he started the transfer of power to his brother Raul, who took the landmark step in 2014 of appearing with the US President.
