Nigeria plans to reopen its embassy in North Korea after a closure due to Covid-19, becoming the first African nation to resume diplomatic activities there. This announcement was made by Nigeria’s charge d’affaires during a meeting with the Russian ambassador in Pyongyang. Only Nigeria and Egypt currently maintain diplomatic relations with North Korea.
Nigeria is poised to resume its diplomatic mission in North Korea following a prolonged closure attributed to the Covid-19 pandemic, as announced by the Russian Embassy in Pyongyang. This decision was disclosed by Patrick Imodu Imologhome, Nigeria’s charge d’affaires, during a meeting with Alexandr Matsegora, the Russian Ambassador to North Korea, which took place last Wednesday. Imologhome, who has recently arrived in the capital, indicated that Nigeria’s embassy reopening marks a significant commitment to maintaining international relations, specifically as Nigeria becomes the first African nation to reinitiate diplomatic efforts after the pandemic hiatus.
The reopening of Nigeria’s embassy in North Korea highlights a pivotal moment in African diplomatic presence within the region, as only Nigeria and Egypt have maintained embassies there. Diplomatic relations between North Korea and Nigeria were formalized in 1976. Concerns have arisen regarding the integrity of these relations, particularly as a U.N. panel has reported potential violations involving arms trade between the two nations amidst existing sanctions against North Korea. The global landscape in North Korea has notably shifted since the country eased border restrictions in August 2023, leading to the reopening of several diplomatic missions.
In summary, Nigeria’s reestablishment of its embassy in North Korea is a significant diplomatic development, marking the first such action by an African country post-Covid-19. The move underscores Nigeria’s ongoing commitment to international cooperation and engagement within a complex geopolitical context. As North Korea continues to emerge from its pandemic isolation, other nations are also revisiting their diplomatic relations, indicating a broader trend in international diplomacy.
Original Source: koreajoongangdaily.joins.com
