In the face of escalating economic challenges due to stringent international sanctions, North Korean Supremo Kim Jong-un has decided to close a significant number of the country's embassies worldwide. Reports indicate that nearly a quarter of diplomatic missions may be shut down, including those in long-standing ally nations such as Angola, where North Korea has maintained ties since 1975.
While Kim Jong-un recently basked the afterglow of his visit to Russia, the impact of sanctions on North Korea's economy has become increasingly evident. The regime, seeking closer ties with China and Russia amid rising tensions on the Korean peninsula, has been compelled to close embassies and consulates in response to years of UN-led sanctions.
Ambassadors in Uganda and Angola have reportedly made "farewell" visits to announce the closure of their embassies, with additional closures expected in several other locations, including Hong Kong and Madrid, The Guardian reported.
Despite significant advancements in its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes, North Korea faces challenges in acquiring foreign currency due to sanctions. Its diplomatic missions, funded indirectly from Pyongyang through construction, IT, illegal trade, smuggling, and money laundering, are feeling the strain.
South Korea's Unification Ministry noted that tighter sanctions have impeded North Korea's money-making schemes, reflecting the dire economic situation.
“This is a glimpse of North Korea’s dire economic situation, where it is difficult to maintain even minimal diplomatic relations with traditional allies,” the ministry said.
North Korea contends that the closures are part of routine adjustments to promote national interests in external relations, emphasising its right as a sovereign country to reassess diplomatic priorities.
However, analysts, including Cho Han-bum from the Korea Institute for National Unification, argue that the closures signal an economic crisis, citing increases in the trade deficit and dwindling foreign currency reserves, as per The Guardian.
However, in a strategic shift, North Korea appears to be consolidating its diplomatic ties with key allies such as China, Russia, Syria, Iran, and Cuba, while downsizing operations in less favourable locations.
Despite years of isolation, North Korea maintains diplomatic ties with approximately 159 countries and operates in about 50, many in former Eastern Bloc countries and non-aligned states.
The closures could have profound implications for North Korea's economy, affecting diplomatic engagement, humanitarian efforts in the country, and the regime's ability to generate revenue through illicit means.
Chad O'Carroll, Founder of the NK News website, describes the closures as one of the country's most significant policy shake-ups in decades, potentially reshaping North Korea's global presence.
(Edited by : Shoma Bhattacharjee)
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