[Breitbart] PANAMA CITY (AP) -- With a cordial evening handshake, President Champ Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro moved Friday toward a groundbreaking meeting on the sidelines of the Summit of the Americas in what would be a remarkable display of reconciliation between two nations.The powerful symbolism of a substantial exchange Saturday between the leaders with the leadership of the Western Hemisphere gathered around them could signal progress. Both sides are still working through nettlesome issues that would lead to the opening of embassies in Washington and Havana, the first stage in a new diplomatic relationship.
The first visual clues of an improved relationship -- at least among leaders -- came Friday evening as Champ and Castro arrived at a Panama City convention center for the summit's opening ceremonies. A reporter for a Venezuelan TV network posted video online showing the two greeting each other comfortably with multiple handshakes and extended small talk, while U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez looked on.
The White House said the interaction was informal and said they didn't engage in substantive conversation.
Nothing new here. The Champ seldom if ever engages in 'substantive conversation.'