France’s official stance toward North Korea is one of non-recognition, joining Estonia as the only European Union member states that don’t have diplomatic relations with Pyongyang.

The story of the two countries is far more complicated, however, with cultural and economic exchanges dating back to the establishment of a North Korean trade mission in Paris in 1968. In many ways, France’s principled stance is belied by its long associations with the DPRK through a variety of channels.

Paris believes that refusing to establish diplomatic relations with Pyongyang is an important signal of disapproval