Korea and Cuba have agreed to open permanent diplomatic missions in the capitals of each other's countries after forming official relations in February. Shown is of a caricature of Cuban revolutionary Che Guevara (1928-67) at Revolution Square near the Cuban Ministry of the Interior in Havana. (Yonhap News) 

By Hong Angie

The government and Cuba have agreed to open permanent diplomatic missions in the capitals of each other's countries.

This is a follow-up measure two months after both sides in February formed official ties through their exchange of diplomatic notes between representatives to the United Nations in New York.

The Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs on April 28 said a government delegation led by Song Si-jin, the ministry's director-general for planning and management, visited Cuba from April 24-27 and agreed on setting up the missions in Seoul and Havana.

The two sides exchanged official diplomatic letters confirming such content in their agreement.

The ministry said that based on this agreement, it will continue consultations with Cuba to allow the opening of the Korean Embassy in Havana as soon as possible.

For this purpose, Seoul will set up a temporary office in Havana as an interim step in the establishment of the embassy and send staff for the opening.

Korean nationals living in or visiting Cuba can expect more systematic consular support once the embassy is opened in Havana.

shong9412@korea.kr