North Korea’s closure of African embassies a sign of economic hardships – South’s ministry

South Korea’s unification ministry stated on Tuesday that the recent closure of North Korea’s diplomatic posts in Angola and Uganda was a hint that the hermit regime is struggling to raise money overseas as a result of international sanctions.

Since the 1970s, North Korea has maintained military cooperation with Angola and Uganda, providing North Korea with rare sources of foreign income in the form of statue-building projects. These amicable connections between the three countries were built through mutual respect.

However, on Monday, Pyongyang’s state media agency, KCNA, announced that its ambassadors had paid “farewell” visits to the leaders of Angola and Uganda the previous week. At the same time, local media in both African nations reported that the North’s embassies had closed down in those countries.

The unification ministry in Seoul, which is responsible for handling inter-Korean matters, stated that the departure was a reflection of the impact that international sanctions had on the North Korean government’s ability to fund its nuclear and missile programs.

According to a ministry statement, “They appear to be withdrawing as their foreign exchange earning business has stumbled due to the international community’s strengthening of sanctions, making it difficult to maintain the embassies any longer.” “This can signify North Korea’s difficult economic situation, where it is difficult to maintain even minimal diplomatic relations with traditionally friendly countries.”

According to the ministry, although North Korea maintains diplomatic ties with 159 countries, it only held 53 diplomatic posts overseas, including three consulates and three representative offices, before it withdrew its diplomatic presence from Angola and Uganda.

The Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper in Japan stated last week, citing anonymous sources, that North Korea was intending to shut down at least ten diplomatic missions, including a consulate in Hong Kong. The primary reason for this decision was the country’s ongoing economic struggles.