President Barack Obama penned a reply to a Cuban letter writer that will arrive via the first U.S. mail flight to the Caribbean country in more than 50 years.
The letter comes just days before Obama is scheduled to visit Cuba on the first visit by a U.S. president to the county in nearly 90 years. Obama will meet with Cuban President Raul Castro, attend a state dinner and meet with Cuban dissidents during the trip.
The letter writer—76-year-old Ileana R. Yarza—said she had followed Obama’s political ascendency and wished he could have a third term.
“Thank you for your kind words,” Obama said in the letter. “I am looking forward to visiting Havana to foster this relationship and highlight our shared values.”
More Must-Reads From TIME
- Who Will Be TIME's Person of the Year 2023?
- Why Cell Phone Reception Is Getting Worse
- The Dirty Secrets of Alternative Plastics
- Column: It's Time to Scrap the Abraham Accords
- Israeli Family Celebrates Release of Hostage Grandmother
- In a New Movie, Beyoncé Finds Freedom
- The Top 100 Photos of 2023
- Want Weekly Recs on What to Watch, Read, and More? Sign Up for Worth Your Time
