The key facts
- The Cuban Ambassador to Seoul called the island's economic situation one of the worst in its history and accused the US of tightening sanctions
- Cuba sees opportunities for cooperation with South Korea in agriculture, biotechnology, critical minerals and renewable energy
- The UN General Assembly vote on the annual resolution against the US embargo is scheduled for October 27–28
Havana Seeks Closer Ties with Seoul
Cuba is seeking closer economic cooperation with South Korea as decades of American sanctions exacerbate the economic and energy crises on the island. This was stated by Cuban Ambassador to Seoul Claudio Raul Monzon Baez in an interview with the Yonhap agency on Monday. He described the country's economic situation as one of the worst in its history.
Accusations Against Washington
'This is an unprecedented offensive aimed at causing a humanitarian crisis by strangling the economy,' the diplomat said, accusing Washington of tightening sanctions affecting trade, fuel supplies and healthcare.
UN Vote
The statements came ahead of the UN General Assembly vote, scheduled for October 27–28, on the annual Cuban resolution demanding an end to the American embargo. Last year, the non-binding resolution was adopted with 165 votes in favor, seven against and 12 abstentions.
Areas of Cooperation with Seoul
Monzon named promising areas of cooperation between Cuba and South Korea: agriculture, biotechnology, critical minerals and renewable energy. Diplomatic relations between Seoul and Havana were established in February 2024 — a significant step given Cuba's long-standing ties with North Korea. The ambassador stressed that relations with Seoul will not affect Havana's historic friendship with Pyongyang.
Military Threats and Position on Nuclear Weapons
Commenting on recent threats from the US, Monzon warned that military action against Cuba could provoke a war with devastating humanitarian consequences. At the same time, he expressed readiness for dialogue with Washington provided Cuba's sovereignty is respected. On North Korea's nuclear program, the diplomat reaffirmed Cuba's position, which opposes nuclear weapons and advocates their complete elimination.
