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DPRK, Britain Establish Diplomatic Ties
The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and Britain have established diplomatic relations, a joint communique issued by the two countries announced in Pyongyang on Tuesday, December 12.
It's the first time for the two countries to establish diplomatic ties since the DPRK was founded more than 50 years ago.
"I welcome today's establishment of diplomatic relations between the United Kingdom and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea," Foreign Secretary Robin Cook said in a statement.
Cook said the decision was taken "in recognition of the significant progress" in the dialogue between the DPRK and the Republic of Korea. He talked about the summit in June between DPRK leader Kim Jong Il and South Korea's President Kim Dae-jung and " the continuing efforts of both sides to promote reconciliation and cooperation between the two countries."
The Foreign Secretary also welcomed the continuation of dialogues between the United States and the DPRK.
"We believe that dialogue and negotiation are the best ways of securing peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula," he said.
But as a first step of the diplomatic ties, Britain and DPRK governments will each be appointing Charges d'Affaires to make the practical arrangements for resident embassies to be opened in Pyongyang and London.
Britain expressed the hope to appoint a resident Ambassador in the first half of 2001, the statement said.
The DPRK has already established relations with Canada, Italy and Australia this year.
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