Latin American countries continued to bolster regional integration, cooperation and solidarity in 2014, and the region also witnessed a historic U.S.-Cuba rapprochement.

HISTORIC MOVE IN U.S.-CUBA RELATIONS

After more than 50 years of frosty, sometimes hostile confrontation, the United States and Cuba announced on Dec. 17 that they have agreed to restore diplomatic relations.

The announcement came one day after U.S. President Barack Obama and Cuban leader Raul Castro agreed in a phone call on a breakthrough prisoner exchange, the opening of embassies in each other's countries, and an easing of some restrictions on commerce.

Washington severed ties with Havana in 1961, shortly after former Cuban leader Fidel Castro launched a revolution that toppled a U.S.-friendly government.

The two countries have been at loggerheads ever since, with tensions boiling over on a number of occasions, most notably the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Bay of Pigs Invasion in the early 1960s.

Obama said it was time to scrap failed policy and change track in relations with Cuban.

While confirming the historic move, Castro also insisted that differences between Cuba and the United States be resolved through "negotiation" and stressed Cuba will defend its main principles.

REGIONAL COOPERATION, SOLIDARITY

Regional countries have rallied around Cuba, defying the longstanding U.S. policy of isolating the Communist-ruled nation by demanding it be included in regional blocs and summits.

Early in the year, leaders from the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) gathered in Havana at the bloc's second summit, and pushed for Cuba's inclusion at 2015 summit of the Organization of American States (OAS) in Panama.

The countries upheld the concept of non-intervention in the internal affairs of countries, especially respect for each state's right to choose its economic and political system.

The cooperation between Latin American countries continued to develop in 2014. Cuba has made headway in its modernization drive, inaugurating the first phase of its deep-water mega-port of Mariel, with the help of Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff, whose government largely financed the project.

Meanwhile, major Latin American countries voiced condemnation over Israel's war on Gaza, and many recalled their ambassadors. Brazil and Venezuela were especially outspoken against the Israeli bombardment and ground invasion.

CHINA-LATIN AMERICA TIES STRENGTHENED

Chinese President Xi Jinping paid state visits in July to Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela and Cuba, and attended the sixth summit of the emerging-market bloc of BRICS, and a meeting with Latin American and Caribbean leaders.

Xi and leaders from the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States jointly announced the decision to establish a cooperation forum and to hold its first ministerial meeting in Beijing at an early date.

The five members of BRICS charted the designs of the New Development Bank (NDB) and a contingent reserve arrangement (CRA).

Xi's tour promoted BRICS cooperation, boosted China's ties with the nations he has visited and the broader region, and bolstered regional and world peace and development.

As most of the Latin American countries maintained policy continuity,the trend toward regional integration and greater South-South cooperation, particularly the one between China, BRICS and other blocs, would continue through 2015.