PORT OF SPAIN - US President Barack Obama said Friday that he seeks "a new beginning" in relationship with Cuba.

US President Barack Obama gives his speech as presidents look on while attending the opening ceremony of the 5th Summit of the Americas in Port of Spain, April 17, 2009. [Agencies]

"The United States seeks a new beginning with Cuba. I know there is a longer journey that must be traveled in overcoming decades of mistrust, but there are critical steps we can take toward a new day," Obama said in his remarks at the opening ceremony of the Fifth Summit of the Americas.

"I have already changed a Cuba policy that has failed to advance liberty or opportunity for the Cuban people. We will now allow Cuban Americans to visit the island whenever they choose and to provide resources to their families -- the same way that so many people in my country send money back to their families in your countries to help them pay for their everyday needs," he said.

"Over the past two years, I have indicated -- and I repeat today -- that I am prepared to have my administration engage with the Cuban government on a wide range of issues -- from human rights, free speech, and democratic reform to drugs, migration, and economic issues," said Obama.

"Let me be clear: I am not interested in talking for the sake of talking. But I do believe that we can move US-Cuban relations in a new direction," said the president.