Pic: Screengrab via Russia Today/Twitter

IN A HISTORIC moment, US President Barack Obama shook hands with his Cuban counterpart Raul Castro at the memorial service for Nelson Mandela in South Africa today.

The moment was captured by television cameras as Obama walked towards the podium to pay tribute to Mandela.

The two countries have endured a tense and frosty relationship for over half a century with a US blockade in place since the 1960s.

Tensions have eased somewhat in recent years, particularly since Raul Castro replaced his brother Fidel, the leader of the Cuban revolution in 1959, and introduced some reforms.

But the blockade remains in place and Obama has said he considers it to still be in the interests of the United States.

PIC: Has Eamon Gilmore just done a selfie in South Africa?

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PHOTO: Barack Obama shakes hands with Cuban president Raul Castro

PIC: Has Eamon Gilmore just done a selfie in South Africa?

LIVE: The Rainbow Nation says goodbye to its founding father

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.