During the Cold War, the DPRK maintained a close relationship with the long-time military ruler of the Central African Republic, Jean-Bédel Bokassa. While Bokassa was an anti-communist, this appears to have had no effect on their relationship. Diplomatic relations between the two countries began on 5 September 1969.[1]
In 1976, Bokassa proclaimed himself Emperor Bokassa I, and declared the Central African Empire. The eccentric dictator's first foreign visit after his lavish coronation was to Pyongyang.[2] He returned to Pyongyang in 1978 just ahead of a Franco-African Summit in Paris, and signed a treaty of peace and friendship with Kim Il Sung.[3]
Friendly relations continued even after Bokassa was overthrown in 1979. In March 1986 it was estimated that the DPRK was supplying 13 technicians to the Central African Republic, seemingly to counter South Korean influence in the country.[4]
