Until German reunification, Cuba’s relations with Germany were shaped by its close ties with the German Democratic Republic (GDR), on the one hand, and its critical stance towards the Federal Republic of Germany with its Western orientation, on the other.

The visit to Cuba by then-Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier in 2015 breathed new life into bilateral relations. Another hallmark, also in this regard, is the agreement on political dialogue and cooperation between the EU and Cuba that came into effect in 2018. Despite substantial differences of opinion – above all on human rights and the rule of law – Germany and Cuba have an interest in bilateral and international cooperation, with a special focus on climate protection, renewable energy, as well as peace and security.

In 2018, Germany opened an office in Havana to promote trade and investment. The Delegate responsible for Cuba is based in Panama. However, overall conditions for Cuban and foreign companies, including investors, remain difficult. Cuba continues to be a destination for German tourists – in 2025: some 43,000 – although a downward trend has been recently observed. The German Government is not engaged in any bilateral development cooperation. Cuba is nevertheless included in some regional and trilateral development aid projects (focusing on issues such as renewable energy, climate change and environmental protection).

Due to the lack of a bilateral cultural agreement, there is no independent branch of the Goethe-Institut in the country. The Embassy does however house a liaison office of the Goethe-Institut that offers a wide range of services. Collaboration in science and research and via the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) constitutes a key pillar of bilateral relations; moreover, there are a number of higher education cooperation agreements in place.