ROKG SEEKS CONSULAR RELATIONS WITH CUBA

C O N F I D E N T I A L SEOUL 001007 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/15/2018 TAGS: PGOV PREL CU KS SUBJECT: ROKG SEEKS CONSULAR RELATIONS WITH CUBA Classified By: POL M/C Joseph Yun. Reasons 1.4(b/d) ¶1. (U) This is an action request. See para. 3. ¶2. (C) MOFAT Director General for Latin American and Caribbean Affairs Doo Jung-soo met with POL M/C on May 15 to discuss Korea's interest in establishing consular relations with Cuba. According to DG Doo, over 4,000 Koreans visit Cuba each year and yet Korea did not have any officials in country to assist Korean nationals in case of an emergency. Additionally, Korean businesses were increasing in number in Cuba and it would be helpful to have officials in country to assist with business related disputes. DG Doo said that MOFAT was in the preliminary stage of considering consular relations with Cuba and emphasized that Korea did not/not intend to establish formal diplomatic relations with Cuba at this time. MOFAT was considering sending one or two officials to provide citizen services and other consular services. DG Doo asked for the US view and support for Korea pursuing consular relations with Cuba. ¶3. (C) Post requests guidance from the Department on US views on Korea pursuing consular relations with Cuba. VERSHBOW