CUBA- President Raul Castro has called for what he described as civilised relations with the United States, adding that the two countries should respect their differences.

Mr. Castro said the US government should drop its demand for regime change on the communist-run island.

While commenting on his public handshake with President Barack Obama at the memorial service in honour of South African Icon, Nelson Mandela,  Castro said Cuban and American officials had met several times over the last year to discuss practical matters, such as immigration and the re-establishment of a postal service.

"If we really want to make progress in bilateral relations, we have to learn to respect each other's differences and get used to living peacefully with them. Otherwise, no. We are ready for another 55 years like the last."

The US broke off relations in 1961, two years after the revolution, and maintains an economic embargo against the island.