On Friday local time the all-American summit began in the Panama metropolis. US President Barack Obama and Cuban leader Raul Castro were also present during the opening ceremony.
Both politicians shook hands. From the Venezuelan television broadcast they could be seen shaking hands in the crowd and briefly conversing. The meeting was also attended by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez. The White House said the meeting was informal and that statesmen did not hold any serious discussions.