President Barack Obama on Saturday defended his visit to Cuba next month amid rebuke from conservative circles, saying that it would further advance his efforts to restore diplomatic relations after more than a half-century of Cold War-era conflict between the countries, NBC News reported.
"I'm focused on the future, and I'm confident that my visit will advance the goals that guide us —promoting American interests and values and a better future for the Cuban people, a future of more freedom and more opportunity," the president said in his weekly address.
The president vowed to "speak candidly about our serious differences with the Cuban government, including on democracy and human rights."
