South Korea Establishes Diplomatic Ties with Cuba, North Korea’s Longtime Ally – By Reuters

South Korea has officially established diplomatic relations with Cuba, a long-time ally of North Korea, as announced by the South Korean foreign ministry on Wednesday.

The two countries exchanged letters through their representatives at the United Nations in New York, agreeing to form diplomatic ties at the ambassadorial level, according to a ministry statement.

Cuba has maintained a close relationship with North Korea since 1960, driven by a shared socialist ideology and mutual opposition to the United States. Cuba has an embassy in Pyongyang and continues to foster this alliance.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un referred to the late Cuban leader Fidel Castro as a “comrade-in-arms,” reflecting the historical ties between the two nations. Following Castro’s death in 2016, North Korea held three days of official mourning.

The establishment of diplomatic relations between Seoul and Havana is viewed as a significant step for South Korea in its efforts to enhance its presence and diplomacy in Latin America, as stated by the foreign ministry.