North Korea on Tuesday announced the establishment of diplomatic ties with the Netherlands in another sign that the impoverished country is emerging from isolation.
Diplomatic relations were established between the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the kingdom of the Netherlands, Said the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
The Netherlands follows Spain and Britain, which set up diplomatic ties with Pyongyang last year. Some other European countries have also announced their intention to set up ties with North Korea.
North Korea and the Netherlands agreed to open ties at the level of ambassadors during a series of talks in Hague, KCNA said.
“These talks were conducted following an exchange of letters between the ministers of foreign affairs of both countries on the establishment of diplomatic relations,” It said.
The two sides expressed The hope that the establishment of diplomatic relations would enable both countries to develop their bilateral links more effectively and would provide greater opportunities for exchange on issues of mutual interests and concern, KCNA said.
Most western countries have shunned ties with North Korea as it is still officially at war with South Korea, with no peace treaty signed following the 1950-53 Korean War.
But North Korea, which needs outside help to ride out famine and economic woes, has gradually promoted relations with the outside world, prompted by warming relations with South Korea.
Bureau Report
