Kang Sok-ju, a key figure in resolving North Korea’s external relations, is visiting several European countries, including Belgium and Switzerland. This is his first trip abroad since he took the post of Secretary of the Central Committee of the WPK 4 months ago.

Breaking from diplomatic and economic isolation

Kang’s tour is in line with Pyongyang’s effort to break from its international integration. International Politics, a French monthly magazine, reported that North Korea gets 67.2% of its imports from China, 19.4% from South Korea, and 3.6% from the EU. North Korea sells 61.6% of its exports to China, 20% to South Korea and 4% to the EU.

North Korea has 3 special economic zones and plans to open another 19 economic zones to lure foreign investors. International sanctions have seriously impacted Pyongyang’s plans. South Korean Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se said North Korea is facing more diplomatic and economic difficulties than ever due to international sanctions in response to its missile and nuclear tests.

North Korea has always tried to ensure national security while developing favorable economic links with South Korea, the US, and China. In recent years, North Korea’s relations with these three countries have become tense. 

The US says a primary condition for improving relations is that North Korea abandon its nuclear weapons program, which North Korea says is an unacceptable demand.

Inter-Korean relations have worsened since 2008, with regular disputes replacing established cooperative channels.

Chinese President Xi Jin-ping’s visit to South Korea after taking office instead of to North Korea reveals a deterioration of relations with North Korea. North Korean media recently have openly criticized China.

North Korea has tried to improve its relations with Russia, but the Ukrainian crisis and tattered relations between Russia and the West have distracted Moscow’s attention from Pyongyang.

All these factors have driven North Korea to look to the EU.

Fragile cooperative prospect with the EU

Analysts say it’s difficult to predict the outcome of North Korea’s effort to improve its relations with the EU. Although European leaders have fewer preconceptions about North Korea than US or South Korean leaders, Pyongyang’s nuclear program and national policies could be obstacles to their relations.

Europe is suffering from an economic recession which will make it difficult to support North Korea.

An anonymous source said North Korea’s Foreign Minister Ri Su Yong is scheduled to visit New York late this month to attend a UN General Assembly meeting. It will be the first trip of a North Korean diplomat to the US in 15 years.