First New Zealand Ambassador to DPRK AnnouncedNew Zealand's first ambassador to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) will be New Zealand Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Roy Ferguson, who will be cross-accredited from Seoul, New Zealand Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Phil Goff announced Monday in Wellington."We're pleased the North Korean Government has accepted our proposed cross-accreditation from Seoul," Goff said in a government press release. "Accrediting one ambassador to both Koreas is symbolic of New Zealand's support for their goal of reunifying the Korean Peninsula," he added. "Regular accreditation visits to North Korea by our ambassador in Seoul will enable New Zealand to maintain a dialogue with Pyongyang on matters including our humanitarian assistance to North Korea and other key issues of concern to us," Goff said. New Zealand established diplomatic relations with the DPRK at the end of March this year. While announcing the first New Zealand ambassador to the DPRK, the New Zealand minister expressed his hope that the North and South Koreas will soon resume their talks to secure peace and stability on the Korean peninsula. It is reported that neither the DPRK or New Zealand has plans at this stage to establish diplomatic missions in either country. New Zealand has given agreement for the cross-accreditation to New Zealand of the DPRK's Ambassador to Indonesia, Kim Pyong Hong. |
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