UAE terminates diplomatic presence with N. Korea

Abu Dhabi, Oct 12 (IANS)    The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has terminated the diplomatic presence of its non-resident Ambassador to North Korea and the Pyongyang Ambassador to the country, calling for a unified front against the country's nuclear programme.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC) stated that the measure fitted within the UAE's responsibility as a full-fledged member of the international community and its keenness to join international efforts aimed to stop proliferation of N. Korea's nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programme that posed a threat to international peace and stability.

Within this context, the MoFAIC announced additional measures, including stopping issuing entry visas for North Korean citizens and ceasing new business licences for North Korean companies wishing to operate in the UAE.

The MoFAIC affirmed that the UAE developed an executive framework in collaboration with state departments concerned in the country to apply UN Security Council resolutions on North Korea and its nuclear programme, primarily resolutions 2371 and 2375.

The ministry reiterated that the UAE looked forward to a unified global front against North Korea's nuclear weapons and missile programme.