A Brief Overview Of North Korea’s Friendliness
North Korea has traditionally been an isolated nation, and its interactions with the international community have often been strained. However, despite the lack of trust and amicable relationships with many of its neighbors, North Korea shares a close and important bond with a handful of countries. China tops the list of these countries, which is followed by Russia and few others.
China-North Korea Relations
China is one of the most important and longstanding allies of North Korea. Since the Korean War in 1950, the two countries have maintained a strong relationship, with China providing key trade links and diplomatic support, and North Korea displaying a friendly stance towards its neighbor. In recent years, the two countries have significantly developed their economic ties, as well as their peacekeeping efforts. China also has significant influence in North Korean affairs, often applying pressure on North Korea with regards to its nuclear ambitions. This close political relationship has enabled the two countries to share any concerns and work together to resolve them in a friendly manner.
Russia-North Korea Relations
Russia and North Korea began to develop a relationship in the late 1950s, and since then, this relationship has become increasingly close and mutually beneficial. Russian President Vladimir Putin has been described as one of North Korea’s better friends, and has publicly declared that Russia could serve as a “buffer” for peace on the Korean peninsula. In recent years, the Russian government has actively supported United Nations resolutions that seek to promote the denuclearization of North Korea and peaceful diplomatic negotiations.
South Korea-North Korea Relations
Despite their differences, North and South Korea have taken steps to bridge the divide between them in recent years. In 2018, South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean supreme leader Kim Jong-un met in an historic summit where they agreed to take steps to enhance their relations and foster peace and stability on the Korean peninsula. This was followed by a series of other summits, in which the two sides discussed ways of resolving their differences, including the issue of denuclearization.
United States-North Korea Relations
The relationship between the United States and North Korea has typically been acrimonious, but the two countries have recently taken steps to improve their ties. In 2018, United States President Donald Trump met with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Singapore, where the two leaders agreed to take steps to improve relations and denuclearize the Korean peninsula. However, Trump also imposed several economic sanctions on North Korea in order to pressure the country to halt its nuclear program.
Japan-North Korea Relations
Japan and North Korea have been engaged in a tense diplomatic relationship for many years. Despite efforts by both sides to improve relations, the two countries remain largely estranged and often engage in heated verbal exchanges. However, in recent years, there have been signs that the two countries may be beginning to repair their fractured relationship.
Egypt-North Korea Relations
Egypt is one of the few countries in the world that has close relations with North Korea. The two countries have maintained diplomatic ties since the early 1960s, and have engaged in a number of trade and investment deals over the years. Furthermore, Egypt has often supported North Korea’s stance on international issues, and has been vocal in its opposition of UN sanctions on North Korea.
Iran-North Korea Relations
Iran and North Korea have had a close relationship since the 1990s and the two countries have often collaborated on nuclear and missile development programs. In recent years, the two countries have shared intelligence related to their respective nuclear programs and military technology. Despite the close ties between the two countries, the Iranian government has publicly rejected North Korea’s nuclear ambitions, instead encouraging diplomatic negotiations and economic sanctions.
Cuba-North Korea Relations
Cuba and North Korea have been close allies since the early 1960s. The two countries have engaged in a number of trade deals and joint technological developments, and the Cuban government has repeatedly extended diplomatic support to North Korea. Furthermore, the Cuban government has been vocal in its opposition to UN sanctions on North Korea, and has criticized the international community’s efforts to pressure North Korea to abandon its nuclear program.
Syria-North Korea Relations
Syria and North Korea have long shared a close political relationship, with the Syrian government providing diplomatic support to North Korea on several occasions. The two countries have engaged in joint military and technological developments. Furthermore, Syria has openly condemned military threats and UN sanctions against North Korea, and has urged for peaceful diplomatic negotiations over the issue of nuclear non-proliferation.
Venezuela-North Korea Relations
Venezuela and North Korea have had a close relationship since the late 1990s and are often described as “brothers in arms.” The two countries have forged a number of trade and investment deals and have collaborated on joint military and technological ventures. Furthermore, the Venezuelan government has often extended diplomatic support to North Korea in the face of international pressure and UN sanctions.
