North Korea Appoints New Ambassadors to Vietnam and Singapore Amid Easing Border Restrictions
In a significant diplomatic move, North Korea has appointed new ambassadors to Vietnam and Singapore, marking the end of a prolonged hiatus caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. On July 30th, North Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the appointments, addressing the vacancies that had been in place due to the country’s stringent border closure policies.
Ri Sung-guk Named Ambassador to Vietnam
North Korea has appointed Ri Sung-guk as its new Ambassador to Vietnam. Ri Sung-guk replaces Kim Myong-gil, who had held the position until his return to North Korea in April 2019. The ambassadorial seat had remained vacant since then, largely due to the global Covid-19 crisis that forced countries to shut their borders and limit diplomatic movements.
The Role of Ri Kil-song in Singapore
In addition to Ri Sung-guk’s appointment, North Korea has also named Ri Kil-song as the new Ambassador to Singapore. Ri Kil-song previously served as the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, overseeing Asian affairs until 2020. His extensive experience in foreign relations is expected to bolster North Korea’s diplomatic presence in Singapore.
Resumption of Diplomatic Appointments
This round of appointments marks the first time in over three years that North Korea has filled these critical diplomatic positions. The last major appointment was in 2021, when Ri Ryong-nam was designated as North Korea’s Ambassador to China.
Easing of Border Restrictions
North Korea’s recent diplomatic activity is indicative of its gradual easing of border restrictions, which had been in place since the onset of the pandemic. Since August of last year, North Korea has begun to relax its stringent border controls, allowing senior envoys from China, Mongolia, and Cuba to start their official duties in the country.
Looking Ahead
The appointments of Ri Sung-guk and Ri Kil-song are expected to strengthen North Korea’s diplomatic ties with Vietnam and Singapore. As the world continues to navigate the complexities of the post-pandemic era, these new ambassadors will play a crucial role in fostering bilateral relations and promoting North Korea’s foreign policy objectives.
In conclusion, North Korea’s strategic appointments reflect its commitment to re-engaging with the international community. By filling these key ambassadorial roles, North Korea is poised to enhance its diplomatic outreach and navigate the evolving geopolitical landscape.
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