DPRK looks for new European partners

Kang Sok-ju, a key figure in resolving DPRK’s external relations, is visiting several European countries, including Belgium and Switzerland. This is his first trip abroad since he took the post of Secretary of the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party four months ago.

Breaking from diplomatic and economic isolation

Kang’s tour is in line with Pyongyang’s effort to break from its international integration. International Politics, a French monthly magazine, reported that the DPRK gets 67.2% of its imports from China, 19.4% from its neighbour, the Republic of Korea (RoK), and 3.6% from the EU. The DPRK sells 61.6% of its exports to China, 20% to the RoK and 4% to the EU.

The DPRK has 3 special economic zones and plans to open another 19 economic zones to lure foreign investors. International sanctions have seriously impacted Pyongyang’s plans. RoK Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se said the DPRK is facing more diplomatic and economic difficulties than ever due to international sanctions in response to its missile and nuclear tests.

The DPRK has always tried to ensure national security while developing favorable economic links with the RoK, the US, and China. In recent years, its relations with these three countries have become tense. 

The US says a primary condition for improving relations is that the DPRK abandon its nuclear weapons program, which Pyongyang says is an unacceptable demand.

Inter-Korean relations have worsened since 2008, with regular disputes replacing established cooperative channels.

Chinese President Xi Jin-ping’s visit to the RoK after taking office instead of to the DPRK reveals a deterioration of relations with Pyongyang. The DPRK media recently have openly criticized China.

the DPRK has tried to improve its relations with Russia, but the Ukrainian crisis and tattered relations between Russia and the West have distracted Moscow’s attention from Pyongyang.

All these factors have driven the DPRK to look to the EU.

Fragile cooperative prospect with the EU

Analysts say it’s difficult to predict the outcome of Pyongyang’s effort to improve its relations with the EU. Although European leaders have fewer preconceptions about the DPRK than US or RoK leaders, Pyongyang’s nuclear program and national policies could be obstacles to their relations.

Europe is suffering from an economic recession which will make it difficult to support the DPRK.

An anonymous source said DPRK Foreign Minister Ri Su Yong is scheduled to visit New York late this month to attend a UN General Assembly meeting. It will be the first trip of a DPRK diplomat to the US in 15 years.