MEDIA RELEASE

MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS
ALEXANDER DOWNER

23 June 1999

Australia-DPRK Talks To Be Held In Bangkok

Officials from Australia and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) will hold talks in Bangkok on 25 June aimed at enhancing the dialogue between our two countries.

The Bangkok talks will cover efforts to overcome the humanitarian situation in the DPRK as well as regional and international security issues. Australia will also use this dialogue to urge the DPRK to respond positively to the concerns of the Republic of Korea and the broader international community on questions of regional and global security.

In the past discussions have taken place from time to time between Australian and DPRK diplomats in third countries. The Bangkok talks however will engage senior officials from respective capitals.

Australia remains very aware of the continuing human suffering in the DPRK caused especially by food and energy shortages. Additional assistance of $10 million is being provided by Australia this calendar year to supply much needed food and other emergency relief for the humanitarian crisis.

Australia also remains deeply concerned by the security situation in North Asia and has been collaborating with other involved countries in measures to reduce tensions. One such measure has been Australia's support for steps taken to freeze the DPRK's indigenous nuclear program - specifically through financial and other support for KEDO (Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organisation).