In a new development, Cuba and South Korea have reestablished diplomatic relations after decades of disconnection.
The Cuban Foreign Ministry said ties resumed via diplomatic notes at the UN in New York.
South Korea and Cuba’s ties, cut since 1959, were affected by Havana’s alliance with North Korea.
In May 2016, South Korea and Cuba aimed to normalize relations by signing a memorandum for business exchanges and forums.
Seoul’s Finance Ministry says that South Korea targets Cuba’s energy sector and sees it as a market for medical and tourism industries.
The Minrex announcement stated that the countries established relations following UN Charter principles, international law, and the 1961 Vienna Convention norms.
Background
The restoration of diplomatic ties between Cuba and South Korea shifts international relations significantly.
It moves past Cold War divisions, highlighting a step towards broader global diplomacy. Cuba offers South Korea a fresh market, especially in energy, medical, and tourism sectors.
This opens doors to a previously untapped market for South Korean companies.
The reestablishment facilitates cooperation across culture, education, science, and technology, benefiting both nations through mutual exchanges and development.
South Korea’s engagement with Cuba may also boost its influence in the Americas, providing a strategic point in the Caribbean.
This is key as South Korea aims to widen its presence in Latin America.
Both countries show their commitment to peace and stability by adhering to international law, potentially contributing to global peace.
This move towards reconnection signifies progress towards a more united and cooperative world, promising economic benefits and fostering regional and global stability