Canada–North Korea relations
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Relations between Canada and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (commonly known as North Korea) are very limited, as Canada suspended full diplomatic relations in 2010 over North Korea's destabilizing nuclear activity. Travel and commerce with North Korea are discouraged by the Canadian government and there is very little trade or diplomatic contact due to Canada's perspective that North Korea plays a destabilizing role in the Asia Pacific region.[1][2]
Although diplomatic relations between Canada and North Korea were established in February 2001, diplomatic relations between the two countries have generally been strained due to Canada's close relationship with the United States, and Canada's staunch opposition to North Korea's nuclear ambitions and programs, and as a result, contact between them has been almost non-existent throughout history. Consequently, there has never been an official embassy built in either of the two nations. Full diplomatic relations were suspended by Canada in 2010 and replaced by a Controlled Engagement Policy limiting official bilateral contact to specific topics.[2] Canada is officially represented by the Ambassador of Canada to Korea resident in the South Korean capital Seoul, and North Korea is represented through their permanent representative to the United Nations in New York. Sweden acts as the protecting power for Canadian citizens that travel to North Korea.[3] North Korea has requested for an ambassador and mission to be created, but Canada has declined.[4]
According to a 2013 BBC World Service Poll, only 7% of Canadians view North Korea's influence positively, with 79% expressing a negative view.[5]