Havana: South Korea has opened its embassy in Cuba, nearly a year after the two countries established diplomatic relations, local media reported on Saturday. An opening ceremony took place at the embassy in the capital Havana on Friday, the Seoul-based Yonhap News reported, citing a Foreign Ministry statement. The event was attended by Lee Joo-il, the director-general for Central and South American affairs at South Korea's Foreign Ministry, and Carlos Pereira, the director-general for bilateral affairs at the Cuban Foreign Ministry, among other officials.

According to Anadolu Agency, South Korea is soon expected to announce its ambassador to Cuba, a Cold War-era ally of Seoul's arch-rival North Korea. In contrast, Cuba has already appointed Claudio Monzon Baeza as its top envoy to South Korea, with Monzon assuming his post last week. The diplomatic relations between South Korea and Cuba were officially established on February 14 of the previous year, marking a significant step forward in diplomatic engagement between the two nations.

The newly opened embassy is anticipated to enhance convenience for South Korean nationals residing in or visiting Cuba by providing consular services and protection. Additionally, it aims to contribute to expanding bilateral exchanges and cooperation, as noted in the Foreign Ministry statement. Currently, approximately 30 South Korean nationals are living in Cuba, according to ministry data.

In a reciprocal move, Havana is also expected to open its embassy in Seoul in the coming months, further solidifying the diplomatic ties between the two countries.