North Korea has permanently closed its embassy in Madrid. This move is one of many actions taken by Pyongyang to close down diplomatic facilities, likely because of the worsening economic conditions brought on by international sanctions.
The North Korean government, through a note verbale, announced its closure of the embassy in Spain, stating that the embassy in Italy will take over all embassy activities involving Spain.
In an earlier message from So Yun-sok, the embassy’s Chargé d’affaires, the reason for the decision was not stated.
The North Korean-Spain relationship is a recent phenomenon. In 2001, North Korea established diplomatic ties with Spain, and in 2013, it opened a diplomatic mission in Madrid.
However, Pyongyang’s unceasing nuclear tests led to the expulsion of its first ambassador to Spain, Kim Hyok-chol, in 2017.
Following rumors from African media sources and Pyongyang’s state media, North Korea’s ambassadors to Angola and Uganda made ‘farewell’ courtesy calls to the leaders of those African nations, announcing the closing of their diplomatic posts. This led to the closure of North Korea’s embassy in Spain.
Information coming from South Korea’s unification ministry, which is responsible for inter-Korean affairs, said that Pyongyang was facing serious economic strain as it sought ways to revive its ailing economy.
South Korea maintains 53 diplomatic missions across the world, of which 47 are embassies, three are consulates, and three are representative offices.
Given the economic downturn in the country, more embassies are expected to be shut down.
There are indications that some of South Korea’s missions in Africa, Europe, and Asia, especially those in Angola, Uganda, Spain, and Hong Kong, will be closed down soon.
