Australia–North Korea relations

Australia–North Korea relations

Australia	North Korea

North Korean embassy in Canberra, Australia.

Australia–North Korea relations are the current and historical bilateral relations between Australia and North Korea.

The two countries nominally have diplomatic relations, though as of 2013 neither Australia nor North Korea has an official diplomatic presence in the other country. Instead, diplomatic relations between the two are handled by non-resident embassies. The Australian embassy in Seoul manages relations with North Korea, whereas the DPRK embassy in Jakarta is responsible for their relations with Australia.^[1] Additionally, the Swedish embassy in Pyongyang provides limited assistance to Australians.^[2][3]

Generally the relations are stressed, due to Australia being a close ally of the United States in the Korean War and modern disputes such as over the North Korean nuclear program.

According to a 2013 BBC World Service Poll, only 7% of Australians view North Korea's influence positively, with 85% expressing a negative view.^[4]

History

Monthly value of Australian merchandise exports to North Korea (A$ millions) since 1988

Monthly value of North Korean merchandise exports to Australia (A$ millions) since 1988

In 2003, in an event called Pong Su incident, the North Korean ship Pong Su was discovered in the Australian waters while its crew members were smuggling illegal drugs. The ship attempted an escape and was taken over by the Australian commandos after four days chase.

In January 2008, North Korea closed its embassy in Canberra. In January 2013, North Korea requested permission to reopen its Canberra embassy, despite Australia supporting increased international sanctions against the country due to its continued nuclear regime.^[5] This was declined by Australia in June 2013.^[6]

The Australian Ambassador to South Korea, William Paterson, took an official four day trip in June 2016 to North Korea, which included meetings with government officials in Pyongyang as well as travelling outside the capital to inspect Australian aid funded projects.^[7]

References

1. "Democratic People's Republic of Korea". Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Archived from the original on 4 April 2013. Retrieved 25 August 2013.
2. "Embassies in North Korea". Everything2. Retrieved 20 July 2016.
3. "Democratic People's Republic of Korea". Smart Traveller. Retrieved 20 July 2016.
4. 2013 World Service Poll BBC
5. Wroe, David. "North Korea moves to open embassy in Canberra".
6. "Australia says no to North Korean embassy". 5 June 2013.
7. Macdonald, Hamish (29 June 2016). "Australian Ambassador to South Korea visits North Korea". NK News. Retrieved 20 July 2016.