Cuba is seeking stronger economic cooperation with South Korea as decades of US sanctions deepen its economic and energy crises, Havana’s ambassador to Seoul said.
– In an interview with Yonhap News Agency on Monday, Ambassador Claudio Raul Monzon Baeza described the country’s economic situation as among the worst in its history.
– “This is an unprecedented offensive aimed at causing a humanitarian crisis by strangling the economy,” he said, accusing Washington of intensifying sanctions affecting trade, fuel supplies and health care.
– His remarks came ahead of a UN General Assembly vote scheduled for Oct. 27-28 on Cuba’s annual resolution demanding an end to the US embargo.
– Last year’s nonbinding resolution passed with 165 votes in favor, seven against and 12 abstentions.
– Monzon said Cuba sees opportunities for cooperation with South Korea in agriculture, biotechnology, critical minerals and renewable energy.
– Seoul and Havana established diplomatic relations in February 2024, marking a significant diplomatic development given Cuba’s longstanding ties with North Korea.
– The ambassador said Havana’s relations with Seoul would not affect its historic friendship with Pyongyang.
– Addressing recent US threats, Monzon warned that military action against Cuba could trigger a war with devastating humanitarian consequences.
– He nevertheless expressed willingness to engage Washington, provided Cuba’s sovereignty was respected.
– On North Korea’s nuclear program, he reiterated Cuba’s opposition to nuclear weapons and called for their complete abolition.