North Korea has initiated the closure of approximately a dozen embassies across the world, including those in Spain, Hong Kong, and various African countries.
The move is seen as a result of the economic challenges faced by the isolated nation due to international sanctions. South Korea’s unification ministry commented on North Korea’s embassy closures, indicating that these actions reflect the nation’s struggle to generate income abroad.
North Korean state media, KCNA, reported that the country’s ambassadors recently conducted “farewell” visits to leaders in Angola and Uganda. Local media in these African countries confirmed the shutdown of North Korean embassies.
The closure of embassies could signal a significant shift in North Korea’s foreign policy, with potential consequences for diplomatic engagement, humanitarian efforts within the country, and the ability to generate revenue through illicit means, according to Chad O’Carroll, the founder of NK Pro, a North Korea-focused website.
