North Korea is reportedly planning to shut down roughly a dozen of its embassies, which include diplomatic posts in countries such as Spain, Hong Kong, and various nations in Africa, according to media reports and assessments by analysts.

This action indicates a potential shutdown of nearly 25 percent of North Korea's diplomatic missions on a global scale. The recent closures of these diplomatic outposts reflect the economic challenges faced by the reclusive nation in generating income from its overseas activities, primarily attributed to the international sanctions imposed. South Korea's unification ministry has specifically noted the impact of these sanctions on North Korea's financial prospects.

Both Angola and Uganda have maintained friendly relations with North Korea since the 1970s. These ties encompass military cooperation and serve as unique sources of foreign currency, notably through projects like statue-building initiatives.

The closure of these embassies lays the groundwork for what could be a significant foreign policy shift for North Korea, potentially one of the most substantial in decades. This development holds implications for diplomatic engagements, humanitarian efforts within the isolated nation, and the capacity to generate revenue through various means, including illicit ones.

Chad O'Carroll, the founder of the North Korea-focused website NK Pro, has pointed out that more than a dozen missions may be closing. This trend is likely attributable to international sanctions, a pattern of North Korea's reduced global engagement, and the potential weakening of its economy. O'Carroll conveyed these observations in a report.

Seoul's unification ministry, responsible for inter-Korean affairs, has noted that this withdrawal aligns with the influence of international sanctions aimed at restraining financial support for North Korea's nuclear and missile programs.

“They appear to be withdrawing as their foreign currency earning business has stumbled due to the international community’s strengthening of sanctions, making it difficult to maintain the embassies any longer,” the ministry said.

The decision to withdraw from Angola and Uganda can be seen as a reflection of North Korea's challenging economic circumstances, making it difficult to maintain even basic diplomatic ties with traditionally friendly nations.

North Korea officially maintains diplomatic relations with 159 countries, yet had 53 diplomatic missions abroad, comprising three consulates and three representative offices, until the recent closure of embassies in Angola and Uganda, as reported by the ministry.

North Korea is also set to close its embassy in Spain, with its mission in Italy assuming responsibilities for affairs related to the neighboring country, according to South Korea's Yonhap news agency. A letter dated October 26, shared on the Spanish Communist Party's website, revealed correspondence from the North Korean embassy announcing the closure.

The North Korean embassy in Madrid gained notoriety in 2019 when members of a group seeking the overthrow of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un executed a break-in. During the incident, they bound and gagged embassy staff and absconded with computers and other equipment. Pyongyang decried the event as a "grave breach of sovereignty and terrorist attack," accusing the United States of inadequate investigation and a refusal to extradite the group's leader.

Image source: News 18