Cuba’s first ambassador to Korea begins role 11 months after forming diplomatic ties

Performing President Choi Sang-mok, proper, poses for a photograph after receiving the credentials from Claudio Raul Monzon Baeza, Cuba’s ambassador to Korea, throughout a ceremony on the Authorities Advanced in Seoul, Tuesday. Yonhap

Claudio Raul Monzon Baeza, Cuba’s newly appointed ambassador to Korea, formally started his position on Tuesday after presenting his credentials in a ceremony on the Authorities Advanced in Seoul.

Monzon’s arrival marks a major step within the deepening diplomatic relations between the 2 nations.

Performing President Choi Sang-mok, who presided over the credential presentation ceremony, welcomed 9 new ambassadors, together with representatives from China and Cuba.

Monzon, who arrived in Seoul on Sunday, will deal with establishing Cuba’s first embassy in Korea, with plans to finish the method throughout the first half of the 12 months.

This improvement follows the institution of diplomatic ties on Feb. 14 final 12 months, when the 2 nations exchanged diplomatic notes by way of their United Nations missions in New York.

The Korean authorities additionally plans to open an embassy in Havana within the coming months, pending agrément for its ambassador-designate.

Monzon’s credentials had been offered amid Korea’s political turmoil. The appearing president hosted the occasion as a consequence of President Yoon Suk Yeol’s suspension of government powers after the Nationwide Meeting impeached him.

Regardless of the political turbulence, the Ministry of Overseas Affairs emphasised that credential shows are normal diplomatic procedures and stay unaffected by inner transitions.

Korea has traditionally convened such ceremonies when 5 or extra newly appointed ambassadors are able to current their credentials. The final occasion attended by Yoon was in late October.

Korea and Cuba have taken steps to boost bilateral cooperation since normalizing relations final 12 months. Analysts view the embassy openings as a pivotal second for each nations, enabling alternatives for expanded financial and cultural exchanges.

The opposite eight ambassadors who additionally formally started their roles embrace Antonio de Sa Benevides, ambassador of Timor-Leste, Paul Sobba Massaquoi, ambassador of Sierra Leone, Patricio Esteban Troya Suarez, ambassador of Ecuador, Diego Manuel Villanueva Martinelli, ambassador of Panama, Landry Mboumba, ambassador of Gabon, Dai Bing, ambassador of China, Shiva Maya Tumbahangphe, ambassador of Nepal and Loukas Tsokos, ambassador of Greece.