1. The Republic of Korea and the Republic of Cuba agreed to establish ambassador-level diplomatic relations between the two countries through an exchange of diplomatic notes between the Permanent Missions to the United Nations of the two countries in New York, the United States, on February 14, 2024.

2. The establishment of diplomatic relations with Cuba, the only country in Latin America and the Caribbean that did not have diplomatic ties with Korea, is expected to contribute to further expanding Korea’s diplomatic horizon as a Global Pivotal State, serving as an important turning point in strengthening Korea’s diplomacy in Latin America.

3. Furthermore, the establishment of diplomatic relations between Korea and Cuba is expected to contribute to the expansion of substantive cooperation between the two countries by providing an institutional foundation for enhancing bilateral economic cooperation and supporting Korean companies’ entry into the Cuban market. Additionally, it is anticipated that systematic consular assistance will be provided to Korean nationals visiting Cuba.

4. As the two countries have increased exchanges and cooperation mainly in non-political fields so far, such as culture, people-to-people exchanges, and development cooperation, the spread of mutual goodwill between the peoples of both countries through the recent active cultural exchanges is seen to have contributed to the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

5. The Korean government will actively discuss follow-up measures, including the opening of permanent missions in each other’s countries, with the Cuban government.