The upcoming 7th Summit of the Americas will be a historic event, according to Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela. The summit, to be held next week in Panama City, is the first time in 60 years that the presidents of the United States and Cuba will meet. Thirty-one of the region's 35 heads of state have confirmed their participation; Chilean President Michele Bachelet will be absent due to the flood emergency and wildfires in her country. teleSUR