South Korea’s Cuba Tie-Up Sends Shockwaves to North Korea

South Korea’s Long Diplomatic Goals
Evaluated as “A Final Form of Diplomacy with Socialist Countries”

Upon South Korea’s official establishment of diplomatic relations with Cuba, often referred to as “North Korea’s brother,” the presidential office analyzed on the 15th that a “political blow to North Korea is inevitable.” Regarding establishing diplomatic relations with Cuba, which was evaluated as a long-term diplomatic goal of South Korea, the presidential office also conveyed that it was “the final form of diplomacy with socialist countries.”

A high-ranking official from the presidential office met with reporters that day and evaluated that “With the establishment of diplomatic relations with Cuba, South Korea has established diplomatic relations with all Central and South American countries, and the diplomatic horizon as a global pivotal country has expanded further.”

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also conveyed that “The establishment of diplomatic relations with Cuba, the only country in the Central and South American Caribbean region with which we have not established diplomatic relations, is expected to contribute to the expansion of Korea’s diplomatic horizon as a global pivotal country, marking an important pivot point for strengthening Korea’s diplomacy in Central and South America.”

Previously, on the 14th, South Korea and Cuba agreed to establish “ambassador-level diplomatic relations” by exchanging diplomatic documents between the two countries’ missions to the United Nations in New York. Cuba, the 193rd country to establish diplomatic relations with Korea, has had a very close relationship with North Korea for a long time.

Cuba established diplomatic relations with North Korea immediately after the establishment of the Fidel Castro revolutionary regime in 1960. Castro visited North Korea in 1968 and signed a friendship and cooperation treaty. Since the treaty’s preamble contained “relations of brotherly solidarity,” Cuba is sometimes called North Korea’s “brother country.”

The presidential office seemed to consider the special relationship between Cuba and North Korea, predicting that an “inevitable significant political blow to North Korea is expected from this establishment of diplomatic relations.” Despite having a positive impression of South Korea due to various conditions, including the South Korean trend, it is known that Cuba could not actively discuss the issue of diplomatic relations due to its relationship with North Korea.

For this reason, it is reported that the negotiation process for this diplomatic relationship was kept under strict security. President Yoon Suk Yeol was briefed on the situation, and the final decision was made during the Lunar New Year holiday. The “South Korea-Cuba Diplomatic Relations Plan” was decided as a confidential agenda at the Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Han Duck Soo on the 13th, immediately after the Lunar New Year holiday.

Before the official announcement, the government informed the U.S. that it had established diplomatic relations with Cuba. It is interpreted as a measure considering that the U.S., South Korea’s foremost ally, still maintains economic sanctions against Cuba.

Regarding the conclusion of this diplomatic relationship, the presidential office also evaluated that it “clearly shows what the mainstream is and who it belongs to in the historical flow.” It further emphasized, “We will actively engage in cultural exchanges as well as political and economic relations with Cuba in the future, and we will make meticulous efforts to provide consular support for about 14,000 Koreans who have visited before the COVID-19 outbreak.”

Despite being under economic sanctions from the U.S., Cuba has established diplomatic relations with about 190 countries. It is considered one of the major countries in Central and South America, operating embassies of over 100 countries in its capital, Havana. It also plays a significant role in the Non-Aligned Movement and the Third World.

South Korea has been promoting the establishment of diplomatic relations with Cuba as a “long diplomatic goal and task of Korea.” Since the Yoon Suk Yeol administration, the National Security Office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other related ministries have collaborated closely. A high-ranking official from the presidential office also evaluated the negotiation for this diplomatic relationship as “the result of multi-faceted efforts.”

According to the explanation from the presidential office, it is reported that the Minister of Foreign Affairs had about three contacts with high-ranking officials from Cuba last year. The Mexican ambassador to Korea, who was involved in the negotiation for diplomatic relations, visited Cuba last year and consulted with the authorities. It is said that there were several contacts at the level of directors and managers in the field.

In addition to providing humanitarian aid to Cuba following the explosion of fuel storage facilities in August 2022 and food shortages due to heavy rains in June last year, there were also efforts to create a friendly atmosphere in non-political fields, such as holding a special Korean film festival on the occasion of the “Cuba Havana Film Festival” in December last year.

“The Cuban authorities must be aware of the popularity of the South Korean trend among the Cuban people, and there will also be expectations for economic cooperation,” said a senior official at the presidential office. However, the Cuban side reportedly did not request anything particular for the exchange.