Denmark–Eritrea relations

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Denmark - Eritrea relations

Denmark

Eritrea

Denmark–Eritrea relations refers to the current and historical relations between Denmark and Eritrea. Denmark is represented in Eritrea through its embassy in Nairobi, Kenya,[1] and Eritrea is represented in Denmark through its embassy in Stockholm, Sweden.[2] Diplomatic relations were established in 1993.[3] Relations between Denmark and Eritrea have been bad, since Denmark decided to suspend development cooperation with Eritrea in January 2002, and close its embassy in June 2002.[4] After the Eritrean–Ethiopian War from 1998 to 2000, Denmark sent 320 soldiers to the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea to monitor a ceasefire in the border war.[5]

History

In 1950, Denmark and 15 other countries voted for a united Eritrea and Ethiopia under Haile Selassie in the United Nations.[6] During the Eritrean War of Independence, Denmark sent humanitarian assistance to the Eritrean People's Liberation Front.[7] In the 1980s, the parliament of Denmark passed a resolution supporting the independence in Eritrea.[8] Denmark opened an embassy in Asmara in July 1997,[9] but closed it in June 2002,[4] because of the lack of democracy in the country.[10] In October 2001, Eritrea expelled the Italian ambassador, and later Denmark recalled its ambassador to Eritrea for consultations.[11] In 2001, Denmark ended aid to Eritrea because of the arrest of Eritrean students and opposition politicians by President Isaias Afewerki, and the lack of freedom of the press in Eritrea.[12] Another reason was the new liberal government of Denmark, that decided to reduce the aid budget.[13]

Development assistance

Eritrea was chosen as a Danish programme country from 1993 to 1996, and again from 1999 to 2001. Denmark has been supporting Eritrea with counteracting land degradation. In 1996, Denmark contributed $35,000 through United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification and in 1997, $111,000 through United Nations Truce Supervision Organization to Eritrea.[14] In 1996, Denmark assisted 112 million DKK to the agriculture sector,[15] and 80 million DKK to the education sector.[16] The total aid to the Eritrean agricultural programme amounted 112 million DKK. (USD 15 million)[14] From 2001 to 2004, Denmark assisted Eritrea 36.60 million DKK for the justice sector.[17] In 2001, both countries agreed to develop the legal sector.[13] In 2001, Denmark donated $2.199 million to support the clearance of landmines in Eritrea.[18]

High level visits

In the 2000 Arab League summit in Cairo, Eritrean President Isayas Afewerki met Prince Frederik and called the relationship between Denmark and Eritrea "exemplary".[19][20] In February 2001, Danish Foreign Minister Mogens Lykketoft visited Eritrea, to discuss development programmes between Denmark and Eritrea.[21]

References

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