Diplomatic Ties With N. Korea Established

Germany formally established diplomatic ties with North Korea, marking another step in the isolated Stalinist nation’s efforts to open to the outside world.

A German Foreign Ministry spokesman said the countries signed a document in Berlin after talks that began Monday. The official said the establishment of ties will help North Korea further integrate into the international community.

North Korea established relations with the Netherlands in January, after a flurry of negotiations that set up ties last year with Britain, Canada, Italy and Australia.