Former Cuban leader, Fidel Castro has made his first public comments since the United States announced its decision to restore diplomatic relations with Cuba - he has cautiously welcomed the development.

“I don’t trust the policy of the United States, nor have I exchanged a word with them - but this does not mean I reject a pacific solution to the conflicts," he said in a letter to a student group that was read at the University of Havana.

The statement was later printed in Granma - the official newspaper of the Cuban Communist Party.

He continues: “Any peaceful or negotiated solution to the problems between the United States and the peoples or any people of Latin America that doesn't imply force or the use of force should be treated in accordance with international norms and principles.”

The US government announced the change in policy during December of last year - officials from both countries have met in Havana since then.

Mr Castro's silence since then had sparked speculation about his health. Earlier in January he wrote to Argentine former-footballer Diego Maradona - this put an end to rumours that he had passed away.

In the letter he wrote: "Just as I salute you, I also salute Messi, a formidable athlete who gives glory to the noble Argentine people." That correspondence was his first publicly reported communication in three months.

Fidel Castro retired in 2011 - his younger brother Raul Castro is the current president of Cuba.