The EU Troika at Asian Affairs Commissioner level visited Pyongyang from 6 to 8 March. The delegation was welcomed by Kung Sok Ung, Acting Foreign Minister, and Yang Hyong Sop, Vice-Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly. Detailed talks took place in the North Korean Foreign Ministry, followed by an exchange of opinions at the Institute for Disarmament and Peace. The consultations were held in a frank atmosphere.
The EU Troika called on the North Korean side to rapidly implement the agreement of 13 February on "Initial Actions" regarding the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula. North Korea was also urged to take concrete steps towards disarmament and to fulfil its obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty. North Korea expressed its determination to implement in full the 13 February agreement and declared its commitment to the elements of a solution included in the Joint Declaration issued during the Six-Party Talks on 19 September 2005.
The talks also touched upon the human-rights and socio-economic situation in North Korea. The North Korean side expressed its desire for more intensive contacts and increased dialogue with the EU. The Troika made it clear that, should there be positive developments, the EU would examine concrete measures aimed at a gradual improvement in relations.
The Troika delegation comprised the current German EU presidency as well as representatives of the European Commission and the Secretariat-General of the European Union. Portugal, which will take over the EU presidency after Germany, also participated.
