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Britain to Normalize Diplomatic Relations with North Korea

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

South Korea welcomes and supports Britain's willingness to normalize diplomatic relations with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), according to Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Lee Joung-binn. Britain's plan to open diplomatic ties with the DPRK will have a positive impact on the Korean Peninsula, Lee stated. This move comes after the DPRK's recent approach to the European Union with a view to establishing diplomatic ties. North Korea has already established diplomatic relations with several European countries this year.

Key Takeaways:

  • Britain has decided to normalize diplomatic relations with North Korea, with Foreign Secretary Robin Cook announcing the decision on his plane bound for Seoul.
  • The decision was made in response to a recent approach from North Korea to the European Union (EU) to establish diplomatic ties.
  • North Korea has already established diplomatic relations with Italy, Australia, and the Philippines this year.
  • The British move is part of a series of diplomatic efforts by the EU to engage with North Korea, with several European countries, including Canada, in talks with North Korea.
  • The Korean issue will be a key topic at the Seoul ASEM meeting, and many ASEM countries have expressed support for the improvement of inter-Korean relations.
  • A Declaration on Peace on the Korean Peninsula will be adopted at the end of the biennial meeting as one of the three key documents.

Statistics:

  • 9 European countries have received a proposal from North Korea to establish diplomatic relations: Belgium, Britain, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Spain.
  • 3 European countries have already established diplomatic relations with North Korea this year: Italy, Australia, and the Philippines.
  • 1 US State Secretary, Madeleine Albright, has announced her plan to travel to North Korea this weekend to make preparation for the proposed visit by US President Bill Clinton.
  • 1 Canadian delegation is currently in talks with North Korea.
  • 1 Senior German Foreign Ministry official is in Pyongyang for talks on issues of common interest.

Sources:

  • XINHUA NEWS AGENCY
  • COMTEX (http://www.comtexnews.com)

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