The establishment of relations between the Republic of Korea and Cuba and prospects for the development of cooperation

Abstract

This article attempts to review the relations between the Republic of Korea and Cuba at the present stage, after the establishment of official diplomatic ties between the two countries. Until recently, Cuba and Syria were the only UN member states with which South Korea did not have formal relations. But in early 2024, a breakthrough occurred in Seoul's diplomacy, and after years of negotiations, relations between Seoul and Havana were established. Due to the f act that Cuba is traditional and one of the closest foreign policy partners of the DPRK, this event acquired a special meaning in the context of inter-Korean relations. And in South Korea, both in the media and in academic and political circles, it was presented as a political and diplomatic “blow” to North Korea. Why did Cuba decide to establish relations with South Korea right now? What was DPRK's reaction to this step? Could the establishment of relations between Cuba and South Korea increase tensions on the Korean Peninsula? And what are the prospects for the future relations between Seoul and Havana?

Keywords

• cuba
• north korea
• republic of korea
• the korean peninsula
• diplomatic relations