Fidel Castro says US owes Cuba 'millions of dollars'

Former president Fidel Castro says the US owes millions in compensation Credit: Reuters

Former Cuban president Fidel Castro has said the United States owes the country millions of dollars due to 50-year trade embargo.

In an open letter published in local media ahead of his 89th birthday celebrations, Castro argues that Cuba should be compensated for the 50-year trade embargo.

It comes as the U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry travels to Cuba to raise the flag over the newly re-opened American Embassy after 54 years.

Bolivia's President Evo Morales and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro have travelled to Cuba to join the birthday celebrations.

Seeking to end hostilities, Cuban President Raul Castro and US President Barack Obama announced last December they would restore diplomatic ties, reopen embassies and work to improve relations.