As fellow pariah states, Myanmar and North Korea have historically kept close ties.
But with the democratic transition in full swing, that special relationship may be coming to an end. Or, at least, fraying.
In a notice published in state media this morning, Myanmar joined the international community in condemning Pyongyang’s recent nuclear test.
Many governments were quick to react last week after North Korea staged a fourth nuclear test, which it says was a hydrogen bomb.
Today’s somewhat tardy statement from Myanmar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, published on page two of the Global New Light of Myanmar, expressed “deep concern” over the incident.
“The test [by North Korea] is in violation of the relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions and undermines the international non-proliferation regime and increases tension in the Korean peninsula,” the MoFA notice read.
Myanmar, which has historically enjoyed close diplomatic ties to North Korea, including military links, rarely comments on Pyongyang’s erratic behavior.
