Objectives
The aim of this project is to engage selected North Korean diplomats and widen their knowledge in the fields of international relations, diplomacy, international institutions, civil society, good governance, and the history of Central Eastern Europe.

Background
Among the members of the International Community, there is an ongoing debate regarding whether to engage or contain North Korea (DPRK) and the regime currently in power. The ICDT believes that there is a need to ensure the line of communication between the North Korean government and the international community, and wishes to ensure this aim by presenting the experience gained in the region of Central Eastern Europe over the last few decades.

Project Description
Three North Korean diplomats took part in this four week training in June 2008. Selection criteria for the participants were, among other requirements, fluent knowledge of written and oral English, employment by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the DPRK, and a reasonable amount of experience in the field of diplomacy. The training took place at the Corvinus University of Budapest, one of the leading universities of Hungary. The diplomats participated in lectures during the first three weeks on the above-mentioned subjects, and Hungarian language courses in the afternoon. The project also contained several field trips and personal meetings. The delegation visited the Hungarian MFA, the parliament, the municipal and local government of Heves County, and the city of Eger. As the Republic of Hungary is an EU member state, through these meetings, the ICDT’s aim was to show the participants how the Hungarian state administration and government work, with a special focus on the field of foreign affairs and international relations.