Canada opens diplomatic ties with Pyongyang

Canada announced Tuesday that it has established diplomatic relations with North Korea.

Forging diplomatic relations with Pyongyang will create formal channels through which the two countries can further enhance communications and cooperation, and develop closer understanding of each other, Canadian Foreign Minister Jon Manley said.

On July 26, 2000, soon after North Korean Foreign Minister Paik Nam-Sun met with his Canadian counterpart at the time, Loyd Exwash, the Canadian government declared its official recognition of the reclusive North Korea as a member of the international community. Concrete negotiations for diplomatic normalization between the two had been under way ever since.

Ottawa AFP Yonhap