UAE cuts ties with North Korea

World

Published: 2017-10-13 09:53

Last Updated: 2024-03-28 00:36


Kim Jong Un, Supreme Leader of North Korea. (Wikimedia Commons)
Kim Jong Un, Supreme Leader of North Korea. (Wikimedia Commons)

The UAE on Thursday announced the termination of the mission of North Korea’s non-resident ambassador as well as its own envoy’s services in Pyongyang, according to the official Emirates News Agency (WAM).

The UAE will also suspend issuing new visas or company licences to North Korean citizens, the agency reported.

The UAE is currently home to some 1,300 North Korean workers, according to a South Korean diplomat, Gulf News reported.

"The measures... come within the context of its obligation as a responsible member of the international community to strengthen the international will and to stop the proliferation of nuclear weapons and missile programs," the foreign ministry said in a statement carried by WAM.

The UAE's cutting of ties follows similar moves by Kuwait and Qatar.
In recent months, tensions over North Korea's weapons programme have intensified as Pyongyang launched an array of missiles, conducting its sixth and most powerful nuclear test last month.