Denmark–North Korea relations

Denmark–North Korea relations

Denmark
North Korea

Denmark–North Korea relations refers to the current and historical relations between Denmark and North Korea. Denmark is represented in North Korea through its embassy in Beijing, China.[1] North Korea is represented in Denmark, through its embassy in Stockholm, Sweden.[2] Denmark supports the efforts to get North Korea back to the six-party talks.[3]

History and hostile relations

Denmark was one of the first countries to recognize North Korea during the Korean War.[4] Diplomatic relations between Denmark and North Korea were established on 17 July 1973.[5] In October 1976, Denmark closed the North Korean mission to Denmark, and declared the mission as persona non grata, after charges of black market import, sale of drugs, alcohol and cigarettes. Later Norway and Finland followed.[6] North Korea closed their embassy in Denmark in 1998, because of their budget reducement.[5]

In June 1983, Japanese Keiko Arimoto, who was studying in Copenhagen, was abducted by North Korean agents.[7] The Government of North Korea later admitted the kidnapping, and listed her as dead.[8]

Denmark supported the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1695 concerning North Korea's weapon of mass destruction. Danish MFA Head of Department of Asia Susan Ulbaek stated that Denmark cannot accept a nuclear armed North Korea.[9]

In September 2009, nine North Koreans arrived at the Danish embassy in Hanoi, Vietnam to seek asylum.[10][11]

After the ROKS Cheonan sinking in March 2010, by a North Korean torpedo, Danish Foreign Affairs Minister Lene Espersen condemned the sinking of the Cheonan, stating that it believed North Korea was responsible. The Minister called on North Korea to comply with its international obligations.[12][13]

In July 2010, Danish ambassador to China, Mongolia, and North Korea visited Pyongyang and met North Korean Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly, Kim Yong Nam.[14]

After the Bombardment of Yeonpyeong in November 2010, Danish Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen condemned the attack, and called it a "military provocation".[15]

Development

Danish relief and development non-governmental organization Mission East has as the only Danish NGO, direct access to North Korea. Mission East has delivered 52.5 tons of aid to the North Korean people who have suffered from the North Korean famine.[16] DANIDA has two livestock projects in North Korea, which is financed by United Nations Office for Project Services and International Fund for Agricultural Development.[17] Denmark offers North Korea humanitarian aid through multilateral organisations as Red Cross and the World Food Programme.[18] Denmark tries to influence the development of democratization, respect for human rights and liberalization of the North Korean economy.[19] In 2008, Danish aid to North Korea amounted 239 million DKK.[20]

Economic relations

In 2009, Denmark invested 462 million dollars in North Korea.[21]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Contact information". Retrieved 4 September 2011.
  2. ↑ "Diplomatic Missions in Denmark". Government of Denmark. Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Denmark). Retrieved 5 November 2011.
  3. ↑ "The Danish Foreign Minister's reaction to the Korean confrontation". Danish embassy in London. Retrieved 22 August 2011.
  4. ↑ William R. Slomanson (2011). Fundamental Perspectives on International Law. p. 61. ISBN 978-0-495-79719-7. Retrieved 4 September 2011.
  5. 1 2 "DPRK Diplomatic Relations". Retrieved 22 August 2011.
  6. ↑ Jacques L. Fuqua (2007). Nuclear endgame: the need for engagement with North Korea. p. 203. ISBN 0-275-99074-5.
  7. ↑ "Suspected Abduction Case of a Japanese Female in Europe". Retrieved 22 August 2011.
  8. ↑ "Timeline: North Korea". Retrieved 22 August 2011.
  9. ↑ Wikileaks (4 October 2006). "US embassy cable - 06COPENHAGEN1355; DENMARK SUPPORTS TOUGH UNSC STATEMENT ON NORTH KOREA". Wikileaks. Wikileaks. Retrieved 20 December 2011.
  10. ↑ "North Koreans seek asylum at Danish embassy in Vietnam". Reuters. 24 September 2009. Retrieved 22 August 2011.
  11. ↑ "N Koreans in 'Denmark asylum bid'". BBC News. 24 September 2009. Retrieved 22 August 2011.
  12. ↑ "Statement by the Minister of Foreign Affairs on the sinking of the South Korean navy Corvette Cheonan". Minister of Foreign Affairs (Denmark). 26 May 2010. Retrieved 5 November 2010.
  13. ↑ "Danmark fordømmer Nordkoreas angreb på Sydkorea". Krigeren. 26 May 2010. Retrieved 22 August 2011.
  14. ↑ "Ambassadør Jeppe Tranholm Mikkelsen besøger Nordkorea". Retrieved 5 September 2011.
  15. ↑ "Løkke condemns North Korea". Ekstra Bladet (in Danish). 2010-11-23. Retrieved 2010-11-23.
  16. ↑ "3,000 children in North Korea receive food aid from Denmark". Mission East. Mission East. Retrieved 22 August 2011.
  17. ↑ "Curriculum Vitae - Hans Askov Jensen" (pdf). p. 5. Retrieved 22 August 2011.
  18. ↑ "Danish intl development speaks volumes for Korea". Korea Times. 28 November 2010. Retrieved 4 September 2011.
  19. ↑ "Denmark in Asia = North Korea". Retrieved 4 September 2011.
  20. ↑ "DANIDA's NGO-samarbejde" (in Danish). p. 42. Retrieved 4 September 2011.
  21. ↑ "Something rotten in the state of Denmark?". Retrieved 4 September 2011.
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