Cuba Opens Embassy in South Korea After Diplomatic Relations Established
Seoul: Cuba launched its embassy in South Korea on Tuesday as a follow-up step to the establishment of diplomatic relations early last year. The opening ceremony took place at the Cuban Embassy in Seoul, located in the central Jung district, joined by government officials of the two countries, ambassadors of Latin American nations, and other guests.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, South Korea and Cuba made the surprise announcement in New York on February 14 of last year regarding the formation of diplomatic relations. This development marked a turning point in South Korea’s diplomacy as it seeks to broaden its foothold in Latin America. The announcement was also seen as a setback to Cuba’s Cold War-era ally, North Korea, which has emphasized its brotherly ties with Havana.
“I am simply delighted that our two countries are entering a new phase in which we will pursue our shared interests and strengthen our relations,” Ariel Lorenzo Rodriguez, director general for Asia and Oceania affairs at the Cuban foreign ministry, remarked through an interpreter during the event. He was visiting Seoul for the ceremony. “Cuba and South Korea are now in the process of exploring pathways to build a new relationship in areas such as the economy, trade, and investment,” Lorenzo added.
Cuban Ambassador to South Korea, Claudio Monzon Baeza, hosted the ceremony and emphasized the potential for future cooperation between Seoul and Havana. He expressed hope for advancing the partnership, particularly regarding the trade of Cuban products such as tobacco, biopharmaceuticals, honey, and coffee. Monzon noted that the relationship between the two nations did not start from nothing, highlighting previous exchanges in culture and sports before formal ties were established. “It was these interactions that led us to the February 14 milestone last year. I believe that the launch of our embassy will play a significant role in strengthening our shared interests and common goals going forward,” he stated.
Lee Joo-il, director general for Central and South American affairs at South Korea’s foreign ministry, mentioned that the embassy opening will help facilitate exchanges and dialogue between the two countries. “It reflects the strong commitment of both countries to deepening the relationship,” he said, adding that the Korean government will provide full support for the smooth operation of the Cuban Embassy in Seoul and to further promote relations in a mutually beneficial manner.
South Korea opened its embassy in Havana in January and appointed Lee Ho-yul, a career diplomat, as its top envoy to the country. Monzon began his post in Seoul in the same month.