South Korea Launches Embassy in Cuba One Year After Diplomatic Ties

Synopsis

South Korea has officially opened its embassy in Cuba, nearly a year after establishing diplomatic ties. The ceremony was attended by key officials from both nations, signaling an enhancement in bilateral relations, despite North Korea's historical alliance with Cuba.

Key Takeaways

South Korea's embassy in Cuba marks a significant diplomatic milestone.
The opening ceremony was held in Havana's Miramar district.
South Korea plans to announce its ambassador to Cuba soon.
Cuba has appointed its envoy to South Korea, enhancing diplomatic ties.
About 30 South Koreans currently reside in Cuba.

Seoul, Jan 18 (NationPress) South Korea has inaugurated its embassy in Cuba this week, as reported by the foreign ministry on Saturday. This milestone occurred nearly a year following the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations, a move that surprised many, including Cuba's Cold War ally, North Korea.

The opening ceremony was held at the embassy located in the Miramar district of Havana on Friday (local time), with notable attendees such as Lee Joo-il, the director-general for Central and South American affairs at South Korea's foreign ministry, and Carlos Pereira, the director general for bilateral affairs at Cuba's foreign ministry, among others.

According to a diplomatic source, South Korea is anticipated to announce its ambassador to Cuba soon. A seasoned diplomat currently serving in a Central American country is reportedly being considered for this role following Havana's approval, a diplomatic protocol referred to as "agrement."

Cuba has designated Claudio Monzon Baeza as its chief representative to South Korea, a position he officially took last week.

The surprise announcement of diplomatic relations was made on February 14 of last year, which was seen as a significant setback for North Korea, which has historically claimed close ties with Havana since the Cold War, as reported by Yonhap news agency.

Since that announcement, Seoul and Havana have been actively working to establish diplomatic missions in each other's territories, with South Korea previously setting up a temporary office in Havana and sending diplomats as an interim measure.

The ministry stated, "We anticipate that the opening of the embassy will facilitate services for our citizens residing in or traveling to Cuba, providing essential consular assistance and protection, and will aid in the expansion of bilateral exchanges and cooperation."

According to ministry statistics, approximately 30 South Korean nationals currently reside in the Caribbean island. Furthermore, Cuba is expected to inaugurate its embassy in Seoul within the upcoming months.