Germany has announced it will not reopen its embassy in North Korea while the Ukraine war continues, citing North Korea’s involvement in the conflict. Recently, diplomatic ties have been complicated due to the support North Korea has provided to Russia. Some other European countries have reopened their missions, but Germany remains committed to its stance until the situation improves.
Germany will not reopen its embassy in North Korea as long as the conflict in Ukraine persists. This statement was made by a German official on Tuesday, who chose to remain anonymous due to the sensitive nature of the subject. The official explained that the current geopolitical tensions, particularly North Korea’s involvement in the Ukraine war, preclude any possibility of resuming embassy operations.
European nations including Germany, Britain, and Sweden had closed their diplomatic missions in North Korea in early 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While there had been discussions regarding the reopening of the German embassy, these plans are currently on hold. Notably, a German diplomat visited North Korea in February 2024 to evaluate the embassy premises and assess local conditions.
In the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine, North Korea has been supplying troops to Russia, leading to increased tensions with countries like Germany. The German government has taken a stance by joining the U.S.-led United Nations Command that monitors the armistice from the Korean War, which further complicated relations. North Korea has vocally opposed Germany’s involvement in the UNC, labeling it detrimental 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),” emphasizing Germany’s commitment to not resume diplomatic ties under current circumstances. In contrast, Sweden has recently reinstated its diplomatic presence in North Korea, becoming the first Western country to do so since the pandemic, while Poland and Switzerland have also resumed their diplomatic missions.
Currently, there are still 15 foreign embassies operating in North Korea, which include representatives from Brazil, Iran, India, Nigeria, and Nicaragua, according to the South Korean unification ministry.
Germany has firmly stated its decision to keep the embassy in North Korea closed due to the ongoing Ukraine conflict, highlighting significant geopolitical tensions. The actions of North Korea in supporting Russia have further complicated diplomatic relations. While other countries have resumed operations in North Korea, Germany remains cautious, reiterating that embassy operations will not restart until the situation in Ukraine stabilizes.
Original Source: www.koreatimes.co.kr
