§ Lord Moynihanasked Her Majesty's Government:
What the timetable will be for the establishment of diplomatic relations with North Korea; and how they intend to make it clear that this does not signal approval of the conduct of the North Korean regime in terms of both its human rights record and the risk of nuclear proliferation. [HL4327]
§ Baroness Scotland of AsthalThere is no timetable for establishing diplomatic relations with North Korea. We have agreed to discuss, in principle, the opening of diplomatic relations, and we are considering with the North Korean authorities how best to take this forward.
Establishing diplomatic relations is a channel of communications. In our dialogue with North Korea, we shall continue to press on issues of concern such as human rights and nuclear proliferation. Establishing diplomatic relations will enable us to do this more effectively.