Visiting Spanish P.M., Cuban president draw crowd in Old Havana

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel were greeted enthusiastically Friday during a walking tour of Old Havana.

The two leaders, accompanied by their wives, spent about 25 minutes strolling on the cobblestone streets of the capital’s historic core.

As word of their presence spread, hundreds of residents and tourists spilled out onto balconies and sidewalks to catch a glimpse of the new Cuban president - who took office in April - and of the first Spanish prime minister to make an official visit to the island since 1985.

Sanchez shed his suit jacket shortly after setting out and Diaz-Canel was quick to do likewise.

Cubans are accustomed to seeing their president in state media, but Friday marked the first day Diaz-Canel joined a visiting dignitary for a promenade around Old Havana.