Cuba, New Zealand formalize diplomatic relations

HAVANA, Feb 18 -- (AFP) -- Cuba and New Zealand formalized diplomatic relations by appointing ambassadors to their respective capitals, the Communist Party daily Granma reported Thursday.

An exchange of memoranda between the two countries' foreign ministers crowned a series of bilateral meetings held at UN headquarters, Cuba's official daily newspaper reported.

Cuba and New Zealand have maintained trade relations, with Wellington being one of Havana's main trading partners in the Asia-Pacific region.

With the addition of New Zealand, Cuba now has diplomatic relations with 167 countries, the daily said.

It also shares consular ties with two countries and maintains contacts with another two through special interests divisions.