South Korea and Cuba have established diplomatic relations as of Feb. 14, following an exchange of diplomatic documents between their Permanent Missions to the U.N. in New York. This agreement marks Cuba as South Korea’s 193rd diplomatic partner, leaving Syria as the only U.N. member state besides the DPRK with which South Korea has not established diplomatic relations.

The establishment of diplomatic ties is anticipated to facilitate economic cooperation and support the expansion of South Korean businesses in Cuba. Additionally, it is expected to provide systematic consular assistance to South Korean nationals visiting the Caribbean nation.