North Korea–Rwanda relations

North Korean–Rwandan relations

North Korea
Rwanda

North Korea–Rwanda relations refers to the current and historical relationship between North Korea and Rwanda. Neither country maintains an embassy in their respective capitals.

During the Cold War, most Rwandan governments were deeply anti-communist. Despite this, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK, commonly known as North Korea) maintained friendly relations with the country, and provided developmental aid. One example of this is the deployment of a North Korean team in 1978 and 1979, to help start up Asian carp-based aquaculture in Rwanda.[1]

Reportedly, Paul Kagame – current President of Rwanda – received military training in North Korea, among other places, as a member of the Rwandan Patriotic Front.[2] Kagame, a long-time rebel leader, eventually came to power in 2000. Following the deeply controversial 2010 presidential election in Rwanda, which saw a victory for Kagame with 93.08% of the vote, the North Korean government issued a communique congratulating the President on his victory.[3]

Among the items featured in the International Friendship Exhibition, a museum hosting gifts presented by foreign dignitaries to Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il, are a large set of traditional Rwandan spears.[4]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Soden, Dennis; Steel, Brent R., eds. (1999). Handbook of Global Environmental Policy and Administration. Boca Raton: CRC Press. p. 284. ISBN 082-471-989-1.
  2. ↑ Cameron, Hazel (2013). Britain's Hidden Role in the Rwandan Genocide: The Cat's Paw. London: Routledge. p. 35. ISBN 041-553-339-2.
  3. ↑ "North Korea Congratulates Kagame on election win". Rwanda News Agency (Kigali). 18 August 2010. Retrieved 26 December 2014.
  4. ↑ Kwon, Heonik; Chung, Byung-Ho (2012). North Korea: Beyond Charismatic Politics. Lanham: Rowman & Littlefield. p. 134. ISBN 144-221-577-1.