A Tuesday editorial in the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) commemorated the 55th anniversary of the Cuban Revolution, with political elites from both countries touting their close relationship.

Historically, however, relations between these ostensible Cold War allies have not been so warm.

The editorial quoted Cuban ambassador to the North German Hermin Ferras Alvarez as saying that the “friendly bilateral relations provided by the great leaders (of the two countries) are solid” and that “the Cuban people would always stand by the people of the DPRK.

Yang Hyong Sop of the KPA politburo added that, “under the correct leadership of