The nation on Feb. 14 formed diplomatic relations with Cuba in New York. The Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs said over 1,100 descendants of Koreans who immigrated to Mexico in 1921 during Japanese colonial rule of Korea reside in the island country. Shown is a scene from the Jose Marti Korean-Cuban Cultural Society, a center for such descendants that opened in 2014 in Havana, Cuba. (Yonhap News)

By Charles Audouin

The nation has formed official relations with Cuba.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Feb. 14 said in a news release, "On 14 February 2024, diplomatic and consular relations were established between the Republic of Korea and the Republic of Cuba, through the exchange of diplomatic notes between the permanent representations of both countries to the United Nations in New York."

Cuba, which had been the only Caribbean country lacking official ties with Korea in Central and South America, became the nation's 193rd diplomatic partner.

The ministry highlighted the significance of this turning point to boost the nation's diplomacy in the region, calling it a catalyst for extending Korea's diplomatic reach as a global pivotal country.

The ministry also predicted higher practical collaboration with Cuba and systematic consular assistance for Koreans visiting the island country.

Before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of Koreans visiting Cuba was around 14,000 per year. Bilateral trade in 2022 saw USD 14 million in exports for Korea and USD 7 million in imports.

The ministry also highlighted the continuous expansion of bilateral exchange and collaboration, particularly in non-political areas like culture and human exchange. It added that recent instances of brisk cultural exchange greatly enhanced recognition of mutual understanding and friendly relations between the people of both countries, thus contributing to the establishment of official relations.

Steady cultural exchange between both sides included a Cuban film festival in Seoul, exhibition of Korean works at the Havana Film Festival and Hallyu (Korean Wave) fan club in Cuba with some 10,000 members.

Seoul will also hold talks with Havana on follow-up measures for forming official relations that will cover issues like setting up a diplomatic mission in each country.

caudouin@korea.kr