Cuba seeks deeper economic ties with South Korea amid US sanctions, energy crisis
- Havana eyes cooperation in agriculture, biotechnology, energy and critical minerals as UN prepares to vote on resolution against US embargo
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- Havana eyes cooperation in agriculture, biotechnology, energy and critical minerals as UN prepares to vote on resolution against US embargo
By Faisal Mahmud
DHAKA (AA) - 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.