Denmark–Eritrea relations refers to the current and historical bilateral relations between Denmark and Eritrea. Denmark is represented in Eritrea through its embassy in Nairobi, Kenya, and Eritrea is represented in Denmark through its embassy in Stockholm, Sweden.
Diplomatic relations were established in 1993 following Eritrea's independence. Denmark opened an embassy in Asmara in July 1997 but closed it in June 2002, citing a lack of democracy in the country. Relations suffered a significant setback after Denmark decided to suspend development cooperation with Eritrea in January 2002.
History
In 1950, Denmark was among 15 countries that voted in the United Nations for a federation of Eritrea and Ethiopia under Emperor Haile Selassie. During the Eritrean War of Independence, Denmark provided humanitarian assistance to the Eritrean People's Liberation Front. In the 1980s, the Danish parliament passed a resolution supporting Eritrean independence.
After the Eritrean–Ethiopian War (1998–2000), Denmark contributed 320 soldiers to the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) to monitor the ceasefire along the border.
In October 2001, Eritrea expelled the Italian ambassador, and Denmark subsequently recalled its ambassador to Eritrea for consultations. In 2001, Denmark ended aid to Eritrea following the arrest of Eritrean students and opposition politicians by President Isaias Afewerki, as well as the lack of press freedom in the country. Another contributing factor was the new liberal government of Denmark, which decided to reduce the overall aid budget.
Development assistance
Eritrea was designated a Danish programme country from 1993 to 1996 and again from 1999 to 2001. Denmark supported Eritrea in counteracting land degradation. In 1996, Denmark contributed $35,000 through the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, and in 1997, $111,000 through the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization. In 1996, Denmark allocated 112 million DKK to the agriculture sector and 80 million DKK to the education sector. From 2001 to 2004, Denmark provided 36.60 million DKK for the justice sector. In 2001, Denmark donated $2.199 million to support landmine clearance in Eritrea.
High-level visits
At the 2000 Arab League summit in Cairo, President Isaias Afewerki met Prince Frederik of Denmark and described the relationship between the two countries as "exemplary." In February 2001, Danish Foreign Minister Mogens Lykketoft visited Eritrea to discuss development programmes between the two nations.
