The South Korean presidential office emphasized on Feb. 15 that the significance of establishing diplomatic ties with Cuba, often referred to as ‘North Korea’s brother nation,’ citing the connection to all socialist countries associated with North Korea through this recent diplomatic initiative. An assessment within South Korea suggests that diplomatic engagement with these nations, which began with the establishment of a resident mission in Hungary under communist rule in August 1988, has now reached its culmination after over 30 years.
Speaking to reporters in Seoul, a senior South Korean presidential official remarked, “The recent establishment of diplomatic relations with Cuba ultimately reflects the prevailing trend in history and who holds sway over it.” They said, “North Korea is likely to experience significant political and psychological repercussions as a result.”
For the past two years, the South Korean government has been laying the groundwork for establishing diplomatic ties with Cuba. In the preceding year alone, the Foreign Minister held three meetings with senior Cuban officials for this purpose.
Concerned about potential interference from North Korea, the South Korean government conducted diplomatic negotiations in utmost secrecy. Sources disclosed to the Chosunilbo that these talks progressed rapidly just before the Lunar New Year holiday, spurred by Cuba’s expressed eagerness. During a Feb. 13 cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, an unexpected agenda item regarding diplomatic relations with Cuba emerged. Unlike other agenda items, this matter was not displayed on the PC monitors of cabinet members but distributed solely in paper form and collected after the meeting. Apart from Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul, other cabinet members only became aware of the imminent diplomatic ties at that time.
At 8 a.m. on Feb. 14 (local time), a small group of diplomatic officials, including representatives from South Korea and Cuba, convened near the United Nations Headquarters in New York City. They exchanged formal documents for establishing diplomatic relations and shook hands. Five minutes later, the South Korean delegation issued a press release titled ‘Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between South Korea and Cuba.’ Both countries had agreed to distribute the press release at a specific time, down to the minute, considering potential interference from North Korea. Hence, no photographs related to the event were released to the public.
Regarding the recent diplomatic establishment, the U.S. State Department stated, “We respect South Korea’s sovereignty in determining its diplomatic relationships,” and emphasized, “The South Korea-U.S. alliance remains strong.” A diplomatic source clarified that the omission of the term ‘welcome’ was due to Cuba’s status as an adversary of the United States.
North Korea hinted at engaging in talks with Japan to establish diplomatic relations. Kim Yo-jong, the sister of Kim Jong-un, delivered a speech on the same day, suggesting, “If Japan sheds its bad habits, there may come a day when Prime Minister Fumio Kishida visits Pyongyang.” Reports indicate that the South Korean government is monitoring and closely observing diplomatic exchanges between North Korea and Japan.
Earlier, Prime Minister Kishida had expressed desire to “boldly change” the current state of relations between North Korea and Japan to the House of Representatives on Feb. 9. Recently, the U.K. Financial Times also reported the possibility of a summit between the two countries. It was explained that Prime Minister Kishida seeks visible achievements to improve his low approval ratings, while North Korea sees it as a potential key to avoiding international isolation.
However, experts view Prime Minister Kishida’s potential visit to North Korea or the actual establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and North Korea as facing numerous obstacles. This assessment stems from Kim Yo-jong’s speech, where she asserted, “If Japan sheds its unfair practices regarding our legitimate defense rights and refrains from using the resolved abduction issue as a barrier, there is no reason why the two countries cannot draw closer.” This declaration suggests that there is no room for compromise on key points of contention in North Korea-Japan relations, specifically the abduction issue and North Korean nuclear weapons.
Nevertheless, the possibility is not entirely ruled out. Last month, Kim Jong-un sent an unprecedented message of condolence regarding the earthquake in Japan’s Noto Peninsula, addressing Prime Minister Kishida with the unusual title of ‘Your Excellency.’ A diplomatic source noted, “While not necessarily leading to diplomatic relations, there could be some diplomatic progress to a certain extent.”
