The United States has once again designated North Korea as a counter-terrorism non-cooperating country.
On the 13th (local time), the U.S. Department of State stated that it has designated North Korea, Cuba, Iran, Syria, Venezuela, and others as counter-terrorism non-cooperating countries that do not cooperate with U.S. anti-terrorism efforts.
The designation as a counter-terrorism non-cooperating country prohibits the sale of defense materials and services and related export licenses. The U.S. government publishes these lists through the Federal Register and other means around mid to late May each year.
North Korea has been designated as a counter-terrorism non-cooperating country for 29 consecutive years since 1997. North Korea is also on the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism.
Cuba has been newly included. It was excluded from the counter-terrorism non-cooperating countries by the Joe Biden administration last May but has been included again this time.
The Department of State noted, 'The United States will continue to enhance international cooperation on counter-terrorism and will persistently urge responsibility for countries that do not stand against terrorism.'