(LEAD) S. Korea welcomes restoration of U.S.-Cuba ties

(ATTN: UPDATES with spokesman's remarks during briefing in last 3 paras)

SEOUL, July 2 (Yonhap) -- South Korea on Thursday welcomed an agreement between the United States and Cuba to restore their diplomatic ties, saying it believes the deal will bring peace and prosperity to the Cuban people.

Washington and Havana announced a historic agreement Wednesday to re-establish diplomatic relations and reopen their embassies. The two countries had severed their ties during the Cold War more than five decades ago.

"Our government believes the restoration of diplomatic ties between the two countries will be a turning point for the opening of a new era of cooperation between the U.S. and Cuba and open a future of peace and prosperity for the Cuban people," Foreign Ministry spokesman Noh Kwang-il said in a statement.

Noh hailed the two governments' efforts and especially the leadership shown by U.S. President Barack Obama.

He also called on North Korea to make the right choice and "join this positive trend of change" in the international community.

Cuba is one of a few countries that has yet to establish diplomatic ties with South Korea.

"Our government is devoting efforts to improving relations with Cuba under our policy to normalize ties and strengthen cooperation with all nations regardless of ideology and system," Noh said during a press briefing..

South Korea plans to expand cooperation with Cuba in various areas, including trade culture and health, he said.

hague@yna.co.kr
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