Barack Obama will become the first U.S. president to travel to Cuba in nearly 90 years. Obama and his wife Michelle will be visiting the Caribbean island from March 21 to March 22. It comes more than a year after the U.S. and Cuba made a decision to restore diplomatic ties.

"I believe that the best way to advance American interests and values, and the best way to help the Cuban people improve their lives, is through engagement. By normalizing relations between our governments and increasing the contacts between our peoples," Obama said.

Cuban Itinerary

For his trip to Cuba, the POTUS will be meeting with Cuban President Raul Castro to discuss the recent progress in the relationship between the two countries. Some of the topics include democracy, establishment of businesses, freedom of speech, human rights, religion and trade relations.

"My visit will be an opportunity to keep moving forward. I'll meet with President Castro to discuss how we can continue normalizing relations," the POTUS said. Obama will also be meeting with members of civil society and Cuban entrepreneurs to talk about creating new opportunities for the people.

They will be looking for a way to introduce a new business enterprise in Cuba as many American companies have penetrated the Cuban market. The establishment of more Wi-Fi hotspots will also be a topic of discussion. Many Cubans will finally be having access to the internet and the rest of the world.

"We're still in the early days of our new relationship with the Cuban people. This transformation will take time. I'm focused on the future, and I'm confident that my visit will advance the goals that guide us," Obama added.

Republicans Respond

Two GOP presidential candidates with Cuban ancestry responded to the announcement of Obama's visit to Cuba. Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio are both opposed to the president's agenda on the communist nation; instead, both are interested in making Cuba free.

"My family has seen firsthand the evil and oppression in Cuba. The President should be advocating for a free Cuba," Cruz wrote on Twitter. The Texas senator's father is from Cuba but left before Fidel Castro came into power.

Meanwhile, the Florida senator does not want to end the Cuban embargo but wants the improvement of human rights in the island. Both of Rubio's parents emigrated from Cuba to the U.S. before the revolution started.

Obama has received the support of both Democratic presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders.