Synopsis
Switzerland's ambassador to North Korea, Jurg Burri, officially starts his duties after presenting credentials to Choe Ryong-hae. This marks a significant moment in diplomacy, especially as more Western nations, like Poland and Sweden, are resuming their diplomatic activities in North Korea.Key Takeaways
- Switzerland's ambassador to North Korea has assumed his role.
- Credentials were presented to Choe Ryong-hae.
- Discussions included key North Korean officials.
- 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations celebrated recently.
- More Western countries are resuming diplomatic activities.
Seoul, Feb 21 (NationPress) Switzerland's chief representative to North Korea has officially commenced his role after presenting his credentials to Choe Ryong-hae, the head of the North's parliamentary standing committee, as reported by the North's state media on Friday.
The credentials were handed over by Jurg Burri, Switzerland's extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassador to North Korea, at the Mansudae Assembly Hall on Thursday, representing the state leader Kim Jong-un, according to a report by Yonhap news agency citing the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
During the meeting, Choe and the ambassador engaged in discussions attended by Kim Son-kyong and North Korea's vice foreign minister, as stated by KCNA.
Last month, North Korea and Switzerland celebrated the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic ties at the North Korean Embassy in Switzerland.
In September of the previous year, Sweden restored its diplomatic presence in North Korea, marking it as the first Western nation to do so since the COVID-19 border restrictions in 2020 led to the withdrawal of most foreign diplomats.
Following Poland's embassy reopening in Pyongyang in November and Switzerland's ambassadorial appointment, more Western nations seem poised to resume their diplomatic engagements in North Korea.
Only a handful of countries with strong connections to North Korea, such as China, Russia, Mongolia, and Cuba, had been maintaining their embassies in the North with limited operations since border controls were lifted in August 2023.
As per the South Korean unification ministry, around 15 foreign embassies are currently functioning in North Korea, including those from Brazil, Iran, India, Nigeria, and Nicaragua.
