The US will remove Cuba from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, Joe Biden has said in one of his final official acts as president. In return, Cuba announced it would release 553 prisoners. The deal, which was brokered by the Catholic Church, comes just days before President-elect Donald Trump is due to be sworn in.

The Biden administration announced on Tuesday it will remove Cuba from the state sponsor of terrorism list – a move taken in the twilight of the administration that is likely to reversed by the incoming team.

President Joe Biden has notified Congress of his intent to lift the U.S. designation of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism, the White House announced, as part of a deal facilitated by the Catholic Church to free political prisoners on the island.