the recent US-Cuba reconciliation and hopes that in the future it too will re-establish ties with that Caribbean country, Modi Ephraim, the head of the Foreign Ministry\’s Latin America and Caribbean division, said on Monday.
At the same time, he said there is currently no discussion underway with the Cubans to re-establish ties. He said that Jerusalem was carefully watching the development of the ties with the US, and its goal – “when it is possible” – is to improve relations as well with Cuba.
Cuba is one of the four Latin American countries with whom Israel does not have formal diplomatic relations, along with Nicaragua, Venezuela and Bolivia. Israel had diplomatic relations with Cuba until 1973, when Fidel Castro broke them off as he was running for president of the Non Aligned Movement. Since that time Havana has been a constant and bitter critic of Israel.
Despite the lack formal relations, Ephraim said the people-to-people contacts between the two countries have continued, especially in the health, culture, and agricultural fields. In addition, it is a destination for Israeli tourists.
Despite its size and difficult economic situation, Cuba – Ephraim said – has influence on South American countries because of the country\’s revolutionary elan. He pointed out that the rapprochement with the US has improved relations between the US and South America.
Although there is no immediate sign of an improvement of ties with Cuba, Ephraim said that the election in December of Argentinean President Mauricio Macri has already significantly improved the atmosphere between the two countries, and a visit by the country\’s vice president is expected in the coming months.