North Korea closes embassies amid financial crisis, focuses on ties with Russia and China.
North Korea is intensifying its closure of several of its limited embassies worldwide, raising suspicions of an ongoing financial crisis. Reports published on Friday indicate that the reclusive nation is shutting down its embassy in Nepal, marking at least the fifth country it has consciously withdrawn from in recent months, ostensibly for diplomatic restructuring. A spokesperson for North Korea’s foreign ministry explained that the closures are part of operations to withdraw and establish diplomatic missions in accordance with the changed global environment and national diplomatic policy.
Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un has given approval for the withdrawal from Nepal, Spain, Angola, Uganda, and Hong Kong in recent months, causing confusion among diplomats. South Korean experts suggest that these closures signal a rapidly deteriorating financial situation for North Korea. The South Korean Unification Ministry stated last month that the flurry of measures indicates the North’s inability to sustain diplomatic missions due to strengthened sanctions impacting its efforts to obtain foreign currency.
North Korea, facing challenges in feeding its population through domestic production or standard trade, heavily relies on contributions from allies and sometimes even enemies to prevent starvation. Defected diplomats claim that North Korean embassies are predominantly funded by illegal activities and illicit money-making projects, contributing to international incidents such as counterfeiting, human trafficking, and drug trafficking.
Simultaneously, amidst this diplomatic reshuffling, Kim Jong-Un’s regime is actively building relations with Russia and China. Despite its infamous hermit status, North Korea has received multiple diplomatic missions from both countries in recent months, suggesting a strategic shift in its foreign policy.
