Germany will not reopen its embassy in North Korea due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, which has implicated the North in the conflict. The official stance reflects Germany’s commitment to international diplomacy amidst tensions. Other nations have resumed operations, but Germany’s position remains firm as long as the situation in Ukraine persists.
Germany will not reopen its embassy in North Korea while the Russia-Ukraine war persists, as stated by a German government official. The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, emphasized that due to North Korea’s involvement in the conflict, reopening the embassy is not feasible at this time.
Many European countries, including Germany, Britain, and Sweden, withdrew their diplomatic missions from North Korea in early 2020 due to Pyongyang’s stringent COVID-19 restrictions. Though Germany was contemplating reopening its embassy, the situation remains complicated due to ongoing hostilities in Ukraine.
In February 2024, a German diplomat responsible for East Asia visited North Korea to assess both the embassy premises and the living conditions there. This produced no immediate results regarding diplomatic missions, particularly given North Korea’s military support for Russia in the ongoing war.
Furthermore, Germany formally joined the U.S.-led United Nations Command overseeing the Korean War armistice last August, which North Korea has vocally opposed. The North’s government has labelled this decision as detrimental to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. The German official reiterated that under the current conditions, the embassy will remain closed.
Conversely, Sweden has reopened its embassy in North Korea as of September last year, leading other nations like Poland and Switzerland to resume similar diplomatic operations. As of the latest reports, 15 foreign embassies, including from countries such as Brazil, Iran, India, and Nigeria, are operating in North Korea.
Germany’s decision to keep its embassy in North Korea closed highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics influenced by the Russia-Ukraine war. Despite diplomatic reassessments by other nations, such as Sweden, Germany maintains a firm stance until peace is established. The ongoing involvement of North Korea in the conflict complicates the reopening of diplomatic channels, reinforcing the need for careful assessment of international relations.
Original Source: www.koreatimes.co.kr
