Germany will not reopen its embassy in North Korea due to the ongoing Ukraine war and its implications. North Korea’s military support for Russia and Germany’s entry into the UN Command exacerbate tensions. Other Western nations have resumed their diplomatic missions in North Korea as of late 2023, while Germany reassesses its position.
Germany has stated it will not reopen its embassy in North Korea while the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war persists. A German government official, who requested to remain unnamed, cited the conflict and North Korea’s involvement in Ukraine as key reasons.
Germany, along with other European nations like Britain and Sweden, withdrew its diplomatic presence in North Korea in early 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions. Despite previous considerations to reopen the embassy, a recent diplomatic visit aimed at inspecting the embassy premises and local conditions highlighted the current circumstances.
North Korea has been reported to have deployed significant military support for Russia in the Ukraine conflict. Concurrently, Germany joined the U.S.-led United Nations Command (UNC) in August 2022, which oversees the armistice of the Korean War, further straining relations as North Korea condemned Germany’s involvement.
The German official reiterated that under the present circumstances, reopening the embassy is not feasible, stating, “As long as the conflict (in Ukraine) is ongoing, we will not open (the embassy).” Meanwhile, Sweden has recently reinstated its diplomatic presence in North Korea, a move followed by Poland and Switzerland as well. Currently, 15 foreign embassies, including those from Brazil, Iran, India, Nigeria, and Nicaragua, are active in the country according to South Korea’s unification ministry.
In summary, Germany’s decision to refrain from reopening its embassy in North Korea amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict underscores the complexities of international diplomatic relations impacted by regional conflicts. As North Korea supports Russia and Germany aligns with the U.S.-led UNC, diplomatic tensions remain high. Other Western nations have navigated a different course, reinstating their diplomatic missions despite these challenges.
Original Source: www.koreatimes.co.kr
