Dialogue event in North Korea: German organizations showcased their projects

The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF) was one of a dozen German organizations which presented their work in North Korea at the Taedonggang Diplomatic Club in late October. The dialogue event illustrated the German engagement in the areas of economic development, humanitarian aid, and cultural and academic cooperation with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). It was hosted by Ri Jong Hyok of the Supreme People’s Assembly and Hartmut Koschyk of the German Bundestag, who headed a delegation of seven Members of Parliament. Both sides honestly discussed problems as well as ideas for improving the collaboration.

Since 2002 the FNF supports the economic modernization and development within the DPRK. On the occasion of the German-Korean event in October the FNF held talks with the Ministry of External Economic Relations about prospects for future projects. The foundation’s delegates also took the opportunity to attend the weekly meeting of international organizations at the United Nations’ office in Pyongyang.

Following a meeting with their alumni the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) gave a reception at which Germans and North Koreans had stimulating conversations and witnessed a stunning performance of traditional Korean music by students of the Kim Won Gyun conservatory.