Exchange of diplomatic notes from the two countries’ missions to the United Nations “An important turning point in strengthening diplomacy between Central and South America”
Korea established diplomatic relations with the communist country Cuba. Exchanges between Cuba and Cuba, which have a population of 11 million, have been cut off since the advent of Fidel Castro’s communist regime in 1959, but the two countries have now agreed to establish diplomatic relations. Since Cuba established diplomatic relations with North Korea in 1960, it has maintained a friendly relationship as a “brother country,” so the government believes that this diplomatic relationship will be effective in putting pressure on North Korea. A senior government official said, “With this diplomatic relationship, we have gained a strong pillar that can exert meaningful pressure in response to North Korea, which is escalating its nuclear and missile threats,” and added, “We are also looking forward to the effects of expanding economic cooperation between the two countries.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on the 14th, “We agreed to establish ambassador-level diplomatic relations between the two countries through the exchange of diplomatic notes between the two countries’ missions to the United Nations in New York, USA.” He added, “The establishment of diplomatic relations with Cuba, the only country among the Caribbean countries in Latin America that has diplomatic relations with the United States, is an important turning point in strengthening Latin American diplomacy,” adding, “It will contribute to expanding our diplomatic horizons as a global pivotal country.” With this diplomatic relationship, Cuba became Korea’s 193rd country to establish diplomatic relations. Among the UN member states, only Syria remains without diplomatic relations.
For several years, South Korea has devoted its diplomatic power to establishing diplomatic relations with Cuba, which has a special relationship with North Korea. In 2016, during the Park Geun-hye administration, then Minister of Foreign Affairs Yoon Byung-se visited Cuba. However, Cuba showed a cautious attitude toward establishing diplomatic ties considering its relationship with North Korea.
According to multiple government sources, full-fledged discussions on establishing diplomatic relations between Korea and Cuba began in the second half of last year. Prior to that, Minister of Foreign Affairs Park Jin held a private meeting with the Cuban Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs at an international conference held in Guatemala in May last year. A government source said, “After the inauguration of the current government, we have been actively seeking to establish diplomatic relations with Cuba, and Cuba has responded very positively to the establishment of diplomatic ties since the end of last year,” adding, “It appears that Cuba’s internally difficult economic situation has been taken into consideration.” He also added, “The influence of the Korean Wave in Cuba has also been great.”
The government plans to hold discussions with the Cuban authorities to establish a permanent embassy in the near future, as this time the water has been opened. Starting with discussions between working-level staff this month, follow-up measures will continue through high-level meetings.
Reporter Shin Jin-woo niceshin@donga.com
2024-02-14 18:00:00
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