DPRK asks Mongolia for food assistance

According to the Wall Street Journal:

At a courtesy call on the Mongolian president last week, Pyongyang’s new ambassador made a request for food aid, according to the official website for the head of state.

“North Korea may face (a) severe food shortage,” Ambassador Hong Gyu told President Elbegdorj, according to the account. Mr. Hong then asked for Mongolia to consider the possibility of delivering food aid to North Korea, the account said.

North Korea’s toughest part of the year for food begins in April and runs through September, when the annual corn harvest begins. Kwon Tae-jin, a scholar on North Korean agriculture in Seoul said that last year’s yield was moderate, but not sufficient to tide the country over.

“We’ve learned that while rations are being delivered, it varies region by region,” said Dr. Kwon, a director at the Korea Rural Economic Institute in Seoul. “But it isn’t sufficient to go around for everyone.”

Here is some information from the web site of the president of Mongolia:

Today, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to Mongolia Hong Gyu presented a letter of Credence to the President of Mongolia Ts.Elbegdorj. The ceremony of presentation of credentials was followed by brief reception organized in honor of new envoy. At the meeting President Elbegdorj said that this year is the 65th year anniversary of diplomatic relations between Mongolia and North Korea and noted that the bilateral relationship between the two countries will further strengthen. Mr. Hong Gyu conveyed the greetings of the Supreme Leader of North Korea, Kim Jong-un and mentioned of his invitation to visit North Korea. Also, Mr. Hong Gyu noted that North Korea is committed to intensify economic reform. In response, President Elbegdorj expressed Mongolia’s interest to share its experience of economic reform.

At the meeting, both sides exchanged opinion on enhancing partnership in sport and cultural sector and discussed possibilities to bring North Korean basketball, football team and judokas to Mongolia to prepare for the international competitions.

Mr. Hong Gyu said “North Korea may face severe food shortage. Therefore, we ask Mongolia to learn possibilities of delivering food aid to North Korea”.

Read the full story here:
North Korea Asks Mongolia for Food Aid
Wall Street Journal
Jeyup S Kwaak
2013-4-22

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