Cuba and South Korea reestablish diplomatic relations after six decades.

Cuba and South Korea have restored their diplomatic relations after more than six decades of rupture. The formalization took place at the United Nations headquarters in New York, where representatives of both countries exchanged notes and agreed to open their respective embassies. The reestablishment of these relations marks a crucial turning point in South Korea's efforts to expand its diplomatic horizons and strengthen ties with Latin America and the Caribbean. This reconciliation is historic for both countries, which established diplomatic ties in 1949 but broke them off in 1959 due to the Cuban Revolution and the imposition of a communist regime on the island. Cuba became a close ally of North Korea, the other communist stronghold in the world. This was the main obstacle for Cuba and South Korea to restore their relations. For years, negotiations for the diplomatic reconnection between Cuba and South Korea were carried out in secret. The reluctance of senior Cuban leaders from the old guard and diplomatic pressures from North Korea were factors that delayed this process. However, despite the close friendship between Havana and Pyongyang, economic and trade exchanges between Cuba and South Korea have increased in recent years. The reestablishment of relations has economic implications for Cuba, which is facing a severe financial crisis aggravated by the pandemic. The Cuban government sees South Korea as a source of income and potential investment opportunities. In addition, the opening of an embassy in Havana will allow South Korea to promote its culture and expand its political and diplomatic influence. The restoration of relations also represents a blow to North Korea, which sees its diplomatic isolation intensifying. However, it is unlikely that the country will take official retaliatory measures against Cuba. Now, the only thing left is for South Korea and Cuba to open their embassies in their respective countries. It is expected that the South Korean legation in Havana will be established quickly based on the existing trade office. On the other hand, the opening of the Cuban embassy in Seoul could take longer due to budget limitations in the country. The restoration of diplomatic relations between Cuba and South Korea has political, economic, and cultural implications for both countries. It marks a historic milestone and opens new opportunities to strengthen bilateral ties.