S. Korea reforges diplomatic ties with Cuba after 65 years, how significant is this?

韓, 쿠바와 외교관계 수립 쿠바에 배신당한 北김정은, 앞으로의 전략은? 65 years. This is how long it took for South Korea to rebuild formal diplomatic relations with Cuba. After secretive, steadfast efforts for several decades, South Korea finally established bilateral ties with Cuba last Wednesday. As Havana had long been considered as North Korea’s close brother, many say this will have put much pressure on the reclusive regime. How do experts see the significance of ties forged between Seoul and Havana and what was Pyeongyang’s response? For this, we invite Professor Chung Ku-youn from Kangwon National University. Professor Chung, good to see you again. We also have Professor Hannes B. Mosler, from University of Duisburg-Essen. Welcome to the show, Professor Mosler. (CHUNG) Q1. South Korea established diplomatic ties with Cuba last Wednesday, and the presidential office described it as “completion of our diplomacy vis-a-vis the socialist bloc.“ How do you see the significance of this? (MOSLER) Q2. I hear the establishment of a formal relationship with Cuba was a culmination of steadfast efforts by Seoul since 2000. Since when, and in what ways did South Korea knock on Cuba’s doors? (CHUNG) Q3. I wonder what drove Havana to set diplomatic ties with Seoul. Many reports say it was deeper economic exchanges with Asia’s fourth-largest economy as it is suffering from inflation, food, and power shortages, is that the case? (MOSLER) Q4. Now that bilateral ties have been set up, it is natural to expect South Korea’s global profile to be expanded, with Seoul’s investment and trade volume in the region to increase. What is the current status quo and what economic cooperation could we expect from now on? (CHUNG) Q5. We need to take a look at how other countries are viewing Seoul’s establishment of diplomatic ties with Cuba first, Washington. Cuba is on Washington’s list of state sponsors of terrorism, and though the State Department said the U.S. respects the ROK’s right to determine the nature of its own diplomatic relationships, many interpreted these words as not being welcoming. How will the U.S. be viewing this? (MOSLER) Q6. It has been pointed out that North Korea has long been boasting brotherly ties with Cuba. Now that Havana has opened its doors to Seoul, how might bilateral ties between Havana and Pyongyang be? (CHUNG) Q7. Less than 24 hours after South Korea’s announcement, Kim Yo-jong said the regime is open to improving its relationship with Japan, and raised the possibility of inviting Kishida to Pyongyang as well. Why single out Japan like this? (MOSLER) Q8. However, despite Kim Yo-jong’s remarks, many say North Korea’s suggestion lacks sincerity, as Kim drew a line saying Japan needs to make a political decision and leave abduction issues off the table, to which Japan said it cannot accept those terms. What might Japan’s thoughts be? (CHUNG) Q9. Now back to South Korea’s diplomacy, Japan’s Fuji News Network reported earlier that Kishida is considering visiting South Korea in March for a summit with President Yoon although the presidential office has denied this story. How do you see the possibility, and if it does happen, would Japan’s ties with North Korea be included in the agenda? (MOSLER) Q10. Lastly, President Yoon postponed a planned visit to Germany and Denmark several days before the date. Apparently, this is the first time he has delayed an overseas visit. Is such delay usual? And what might have been the reasons behind it? Unfortunately, that’s all the time we have for today’s edition. Thank you, Professor Chung and Professor Mosler for your time and insights. We appreciate it. #SouthKorea #Cuba #NorthKorea #Diplomatic_relation #대한민국 #쿠바 #북한 #외교 #Arirang_News #아리랑뉴스 📣 Facebook : 📣 Twitter : 📣 Homepage : 2024-02-19, 18:30 (KST)