Miguel Díaz-Canel extended a congratulatory message to Kim Jong-un following his re-election as Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of North Korea, underscoring the Cuban regime's dedication to strengthening ties with Pyongyang, as reported by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) this Thursday.
The correspondence was dispatched in early April, weeks after Kim's re-election on March 22, during the first session of the XV Supreme People's Assembly of North Korea. This marks his third consecutive re-election since the Commission's establishment in 2016.
"I emphasize the significant importance we place on our relations with North Korea and affirm that Cuba will exert all efforts to help our friendly nation withstand the pressure tactics of hostile forces," Díaz-Canel stated in the letter, according to the North Korean state agency.
Over recent years, the relationship between Havana and Pyongyang has experienced moments of strain, particularly after the restoration of diplomatic ties between Cuba and South Korea in 2024. This move deeply irked Kim Jong-un's government.
The rapprochement with Seoul created tensions with Pyongyang, to the extent that it was revealed the mission aimed to prevent precisely this Cuban-South Korean connection, according to a senior North Korean diplomat stationed in Cuba who defected.
Despite these frictions, the Cuban regime has persisted in maintaining its historic alliance with North Korea. In previous years, Kim Jong-un had emphasized that both nations stood together in the same trench defending sovereignty, a sentiment Díaz-Canel's message appears intent on revitalizing.
According to the Korean agency, Kim and Díaz-Canel met during a trip to China to attend a military parade in Beijing last September.
Cuba-North Korea Relations: Key Questions
Why did Díaz-Canel send a congratulatory message to Kim Jong-un?
Díaz-Canel sent a congratulatory message to Kim Jong-un to express support and emphasize the importance of the relationship between Cuba and North Korea.
What has strained the relationship between Cuba and North Korea?
The relationship has been strained due to Cuba re-establishing diplomatic ties with South Korea, which deeply upset North Korean leadership.
How has Cuba maintained its alliance with North Korea despite tensions?
Cuba has insisted on maintaining its historical alliance by emphasizing shared values and mutual support in the face of external pressures.