Paektu Solidarity Alliance

By Won Ju Hyok
Member of the Korea-Africa Association

December 24 marks the 56th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the Republic of Congo.

While the DPRK and Congo are geographically far apart, the two countries maintain historical and traditional relations of friendship.

The people of Congo had long fought to put an end to the protracted domination and subordination of the colonialists and finally achieved independence in August 1960. And Congo established diplomatic relations with the DPRK on December 24, 1964.

We have extended unreserved support and encouragement to the Congolese people’s struggle to remove the consequences of colonial rule and build a new society.

Great President Kim Il Sung personally met with Denis Sassou-Nguesso, President of the Republic of Congo who had visited the DPRK in April 1972 and in March 1983, and gave valuable instructions with regard to building a new society.

The Congolese President was so deeply touched by the great charisma and noble features of President Kim Il Sung who brightly illuminated the way forward for Congo in building a new society and rendered unreserved material and moral support that he highly praised President Kim Il Sung as an outstanding leader of the world people.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the two countries have continuously expanded and developed the relations of friendship and cooperation in political, economic and other fields and maintained close mutual support and cooperation in the international arena under the banner of Non-Aligned Movement, adhering to the principles of respect for sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs.

The government of the DPRK remains committed to invariably developing the historical and traditional relations of friendship and cooperation with the Republic of Congo.

The DPRK will continue as ever to send support and encouragement to the Congolese people in their efforts for defending national sovereignty and developing economy under the leadership of President Denis Sassou-Nguesso, and make active efforts to further expand and develop the bilateral relations of friendship and cooperation.