Deputy Minister Ebrahim Ebrahim paid an official visit to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) from 4 to 8 November 2013 to hold political consultations and review bilateral relations.
The visit, which came at the invitation of the DPRK government, took place in the context of the 15th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties. The Deputy Minister was accompanied by the South African Ambassador accredited to the DPRK, Dr Bheki Langa.
During the visit, Deputy Minister Ebrahim held consultations with Vice Minister Kim Hyong Jun, and paid courtesy calls on the Foreign Minister, Mr Pak Ui Chun and, Mr Kim Yong Nam, the President of the Presidium of the Supreme People’s Assembly.
In his engagements, the Deputy Minister shared South Africa’s experience of denuclearisation, highlighting the great benefits that accrued to South Africa from its decision to dismantle its nuclear weapons in 1994. The South African side also related its experience of resolving conflict through negotiations and dialogue, and encouraged the DPRK to resume participation in the six-party talks at the earliest opportunity.
Deputy Minister Ebrahim Ebrahim noted the negative reports on human rights in the DPRK emanating from international organisations and offered to share South Africa’s own experience and technical expertise to assist the DPRK in this area. The DPRK was also encouraged to recommence the family reunion programme with the ROK, both on humanitarian grounds and as a confidence-building measure to build trust with South Korea.
As part of the programme arranged by the DPRK government, the South African delegation visited the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) at Panmunjom as well as various newly constructed social amenities in Pyonyang showing the progress that the DPRK has made over the past few years.
For further information:
Clayson Monyela, Spokesperson for DIRCO
Cell: 082 884 5974
