Germany will not reopen its embassy in North Korea as long as the Ukraine conflict continues, citing North Korea’s involvement and the ongoing geopolitical tensions. Diplomatic relations remain strained, while some European countries have resumed operations within North Korea.
Germany will not reopen its embassy in North Korea while the conflict in Ukraine persists, according to a statement from a German government official. The official, who requested anonymity, emphasized that North Korea’s involvement in the Ukraine crisis poses challenges to resuming diplomatic relations.
Countries such as Germany, Britain, and Sweden withdrew their diplomatic missions from North Korea in early 2020 due to COVID-19 limitations imposed by Pyongyang. Although Germany had once considered reopening its embassy, discussions ceased following the escalation of the Ukraine war.
In February 2024, a German diplomat specializing in East Asia visited North Korea to assess the embassy premises and the living conditions there. This visit indicated an interest in re-engaging with North Korea, yet the ongoing conflict with Ukraine further complicates this situation.
North Korea has sent troops to support Russia during the Ukraine war, which has heightened tensions. Germany joined the U.S.-led United Nations Command last August to oversee the armistice from the Korean War, prompting North Korea to criticize Germany’s involvement as harmful to peace on the Korean Peninsula.
The German official reiterated, “As long as the conflict (in Ukraine) is ongoing, we will not open (the embassy),” underlining the serious implications of the geopolitical situation on diplomacy.
While Germany maintains its stance, some Western nations have resumed their diplomatic presence in North Korea. Sweden reinstated diplomats in September 2022, with Poland and Switzerland also returning to diplomatic activities. Currently, 15 foreign embassies operate in North Korea, including those from Brazil, Iran, India, Nigeria, and Nicaragua, as reported by the South Korean unification ministry.
Germany has decided against reopening its embassy in North Korea amidst the ongoing Ukraine conflict, mainly due to North Korea’s involvement in supporting Russia. Diplomatic relations are strained further by the geopolitical climate, although some other nations have resumed operations in North Korea. This situation reflects the broader implications of international conflicts on diplomatic activities.
Original Source: www.koreatimes.co.kr
