Cuba has immense potential, boasting abundant natural resources and a well-developed tourism industry. Establishing diplomatic relations between South Korea and Cuba offers substantial political and economic benefits. However, I have come across articles suggesting that these relations signify ‘isolating North Korea’ or ‘winning a system competition against North Korea,’ which is a misinterpretation. The concept of ‘competition’ between South Korea and North Korea is not applicable.
This interview, with a former North Korean diplomat who defected to South Korea from his post in Cuba, is insightful on both North Korea and Cuba. Countries seem to be lining up to establish or strengthen ties with Cuba, while our efforts to do so stalled years ago. I'm still hopeful that someday I'll be able to travel to Cuba.
posted by matt in Sunday, July 21, 2024