The inauguration of the mission, located in Havana's Miramar district, came 11 months after the two countries established formal ties in February last year.
“The opening of the embassy is expected to help expand exchanges between our peoples, enhance consular services for Korean nationals residing in or visiting Cuba, and provide better protection and services for our citizens in Cuba,” the foreign ministry in Seoul said.
The embassy will initially operate under an acting chief, as the formal appointment of South Korea’s first ambassador to Cuba is still pending final procedural steps.
A career diplomat specializing in trade and currently serving in another Latin American country has been named to the position. The agrément process has been completed, but the formal appointment may take several weeks due to other administrative procedures, according to officials.
Cuba is also preparing to open its embassy in Seoul, with Ambassador Claudio Monzon Baeza having assumed his position last week.
South Korea and Cuba formalized their relationship on Feb. 14, 2024, by exchanging diplomatic notes in New York. The two countries agreed in April to establish permanent diplomatic missions in their respective capitals.
At the opening ceremony, Lee Joo-il, director general for Central and South American affairs, represented South Korea, while Carlos Pereira, director general for bilateral affairs, attended on behalf of Cuba.
The embassy is South Korea’s 173rd diplomatic mission worldwide and the 117th foreign embassy in Cuba.
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