EU delegation to visit Pyongyang Nov. 25

The European Union said that it will send a delegation to North Korea Nov. 25 to explore greater political dialogue with Pyongyang.

The EU disclosed Wednesday that the mission will comprise Dominique Girard, chief of the Asia-Oceania bureau of the foreign ministry of France, which currently chairs the union, and a member of the EU executive committee from Sweden, which will be the next EU chair. They will be joined by ranking officials of the European Council of Ministers.

The representatives are expected to discuss various topics with North Korean officials, including recent improvements in inter-Korean relations, nuclear nonproliferation, human rights, foreign aid and activities of nongovernmental organizations inside North Korea.

Of the 15 members of the EU, three -- Germany, the United Kingdom and Spain -- decided to recognize North Korea in early November. Six other EU nations -- Austria, Denmark, Finland, Italy, Portugal and Sweden -- have already normalized ties with Pyongyang.

Kwon Ki-Tae kkt@donga.com