The Colombian government and FARC rebels signed a ceasefire and disarmament agreement, one of the last steps toward ending a half-century conflict that has killed hundreds of thousands of people, AFP reports.
The deal puts a definitive end to fighting in Latin America's longest civil war, which has torn the country apart with shootings and bombardments in its coca-rich jungles and hills.
President Juan Manuel Santos and FARC leader Timoleon Jimenez shook hands and smiled after negotiators signed the deal at a ceremony in Cuba.
The deal establishes "a bilateral ceasefire and end to hostilities and the definitive laying down of arms," according to the text.
"This is a historic day for our country," Santos said in a speech to assembled leaders including UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, AFP says.
"After more than 50 years of confrontations, deaths, attacks and pain, we have put a final end to the armed conflict with the FARC."
Disarmament will begin after the signing of a full final peace agreement, expected within weeks.
"Let this be the last day of the war," Jimenez said, according to AFP.
Thursday's agreements "leave us on the verge of completing a final accord relatively soon," he added.
The final deal "will allow us to return at last to legal political activity through peaceful and democratic means."
