1. The government of the Republic of Korea welcomes the agreement that the US and Cuba have reached to re-establish their diplomatic relations and re-open embassies in their respective countries, following the announcement in December last year that the two countries decided to take steps to normalize their relationship.

2. The ROK government highly recognizes the strong will and efforts shown by the US and Cuban governments, and in particular, President Obama’s leadership in reaching the agreement.

3. The ROK government believes that the re-establishment of diplomatic relations between the US and Cuba will mark a turning point in ushering in a new era of cooperation between the two countries, while it will open a peaceful and prosperous future for the Cuban people. The ROK government hopes that North Korea will also follow such trend toward positive change by making the right choice.


*unofficial translation