Nigeria is set to reopen its embassy in North Korea, marking the country as the first African nation to resume diplomatic activities there after the Covid-19 pandemic. Charge d’affaires Patrick Imologhome announced this plan during a meeting with Russian officials, highlighting Nigeria’s longstanding diplomatic ties with North Korea since 1976. The reopening occurs as North Korea gradually resumes international diplomatic engagements.
Nigeria is preparing to reopen its embassy in North Korea after an extended closure prompted by the Covid-19 pandemic, as confirmed by the Russian Embassy in Pyongyang. This development marks Nigeria as the first African nation to reinstate diplomatic activities in North Korea following the pandemic. During a recent meeting in Pyongyang, Patrick Imodu Imologhome, Nigeria’s charge d’affaires, shared his intentions to recommence operations at the embassy, a significant diplomatic re-engagement for the country after a prolonged hiatus.
Nigeria and Egypt are the only African nations maintaining diplomatic representation in North Korea, with the two countries having established formal ties in 1976. Notably, there have been allegations from a U.N. panel indicating that North Korea may have been involved in arms trade or business arrangements with Nigeria in violation of U.N. sanctions. As of August 2023, with North Korea easing its border restrictions, several nations, including China, Russia, Mongolia, and Cuba, have resumed or established diplomatic missions in Pyongyang. Sweden has also recently reopened its embassy, becoming the first Western country to do so since the pandemic’s onset.
This move by Nigeria to reopen its embassy in North Korea reflects a broader trend of diplomatic normalization as countries seek to enhance their international presence and relationships following the disruptions caused by Covid-19. Reopening embassies not only symbolizes a return to diplomatic engagement but also opens avenues for dialogue and collaboration between nations that have maintained significantly divergent political stances over the years.
The reopening of Nigeria’s embassy in North Korea is significant due to the historical context of the diplomatic relationship between the two countries. Diplomatic ties were established in 1976, and Nigeria currently stands alongside Egypt as the only African nation with representation in North Korea. The tightening of global border controls and the subsequent diplomatic closures during the pandemic hindered international relations, prompting nations to reevaluate their diplomatic strategies. The current reopening coincides with North Korea’s gradual re-engagement with the international community, highlighted by the recent reopening of embassies from various countries. Allegations of arms trades and sanctions violations further complicate the context of Nigeria’s diplomatic efforts in North Korea.
In summary, Nigeria’s decision to reopen its embassy in North Korea after a lengthy Covid-19 closure is a significant diplomatic milestone, positioning it as the first African nation to re-engage. Amid ongoing global efforts to restore diplomatic relations, Nigeria aims to strengthen ties with North Korea while navigating the complexities of past allegations regarding arms trade. This reopening represents a broader trend of nations reassessing their diplomatic positions in a post-pandemic landscape.
Original Source: koreajoongangdaily.joins.com
