Central African Republic–North Korea relations

Central African–North Korean relations

Central African Republic
North Korea

Central African Republic–North Korea relations refers to the current and historical relationship between the Central African Republic and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), commonly known as North Korea. Neither country maintains an embassy in their respective capitals.

During the Cold War, North Korea maintained a close relationship with the long-time military ruler of the Central African Republic, Jean-Bédel Bokassa. While Bokassa was an anti-communist, this appears to have had no effect on their relationship. Diplomatic relations between the two countries began on 5 September 1969.[1]

In 1976, Bokassa proclaimed himself Emperor Bokassa I, and declared the Central African Empire. The eccentric dictator's first foreign visit after his lavish coronation was to Pyongyang.[2] He returned to Pyongyang in 1978 just ahead of an Franco-African Summit in Paris, and signed a treaty of peace and friendship with Kim Il-sung.[3]

Friendly relations continued even after Bokassa and his empire was overthrown in 1979. In March 1986 it was estimated that North Korea was supplying 13 technicians to the Central African Republic, seemingly to counter South Korean influence in the country.[4]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Yonhap News Agency (2002). North Korea Handbook. Seoul: M. E. Sharpe. p. 957. ISBN 076-563-523-2.
  2. ↑ Armstrong, Charles K. (2013). Tyranny of the Weak: North Korea and the World, 1950–1992. Ithaca: Cornell University Press. ISBN 080-146-893-0.
  3. ↑ Titley, Brian (2002). Dark Age: The Political Odyssey of Emperor Bokassa. McGill-Queen's University Press. p. 102. ISBN 077-352-418-5.
  4. ↑ Gills, Barry (2005). Korea versus Korea: A Case of Contested Legitimacy. London: Routledge. ISBN 113-476-625-4.