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Namibia–North Korea relations

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Namibian–North Korea relations
Map indicating locations of Namibia and North Korea

Namibia
North Korea

Namibia–North Korea relations refers to the current and historical relationship between Namibia and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). Neither country maintains an embassy in their respective capitals, although DPRK formerly had one in Windhoek, which closed down in 1994.[1]

History

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During the Namibian War of Independence, the DPRK provided significant support for the People's Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN), the armed wing of the South West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO). Like many other pro-Soviet countries during the Cold War, the DPRK provided material aid to PLAN, and from 1965 and onwards many SWAPO members went to Pyongyang to receive military training.[2][3]

Relations have remained close after Namibia's independence in 1990. The country's first President, Sam Nujoma, was especially close to the DPRK. In 1992, he received the Order of the National Flag, a high DPRK decoration.[4] Mansudae Overseas Projects, a DPRK construction company, has been behind several expensive projects in Namibia – among them Heroes' Acre, a war memorial opened in 2002 in Windhoek. The physical features of the statue of the Unknown Soldier reportedly closely resemble those of Nujoma. The company is also behind renovations to Nujoma's private home, as well as several other major projects – among them the Windhoek Independence Memorial, the State House of Namibia, and an independence museum also featuring a statue of President Nujoma.[5][6]

Nujoma's successor, President Hifikepunye Pohamba, likewise remained close to the DPRK. In 2008 Kim Yong-nam, Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly, visited Namibia and met with the President.[7] Several agreements between the two countries were signed, to strengthen among other things bilateral co-operation on trade, commerce, transport, energy and defence. Following the death of Kim Jong-il in 2011, the Namibian government stated that his death would not affect Namibian-North Korean relations.[8] In 2012, it was reported that Namibia had contracted the DPRK to build thirteen "mini-state houses" in each of the country's regions for President Pohamba, a hugely expensive move which faced immediate criticism.[9] In 2016, it was confirmed that military co-operation was continuing.[10]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ North Korea News. Naewoe Press. 1994. p. 12.
  2. ^ Udogu, E. Ike (2011). Liberating Namibia: The Long Diplomatic Struggle Between the United Nations and South Africa. Jefferson: McFarland. pp. 123 and 169. ISBN 978-078-648-878-0.
  3. ^ Katjavivi, Peter H. (1988). A History of Resistance in Namibia. Melton: James Currey Publishers. p. 86. ISBN 085-255-320-X.
  4. ^ Tonchi, Victor L.; Lindeke, William A.; Grotpeter, John J. (31 August 2012). Historical Dictionary of Namibia (Second ed.). Plymouth: Scarecrow Press. p. 306. ISBN 978-0-8108-7990-4.
  5. ^ Grobler, John (26 April 2013). "North Korea's deals in Namibia a mystery". Mail & Guardian. Johannesburg. Retrieved 26 December 2014.
  6. ^ "Namibia's vote on Nov. 28 likely to follow southern African pattern - victory for ruling party". Fox News. New York City. 23 November 2014. Retrieved 26 December 2014.
  7. ^ "N. Korea, Namibia reach deals". The Hankyoreh. Seoul. 22 March 2008. Retrieved 26 December 2014.
  8. ^ Sasman, Catherine (20 December 2011). "Namibia and North Korean relations to remain positive". The Namibian. Windhoek. Archived from the original on 26 December 2014. Retrieved 26 December 2014.
  9. ^ Laing, Aislinn (12 June 2012). "Namibia plans 'mini state houses' for President Hifikepunye Pohamba". The Telegraph. Johannesburg. Retrieved 26 December 2014.
  10. ^ O'Carroll, Chad (27 June 2016). "Namibian delegation visits N.Korea despite sanctions questions". NK News.
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