Swedish diplomats are back in North Korea. Four years after leaving the country following its closure due to the coronavirus pandemic, the regime has decided to invite them back. Sweden is the first Western nation to be allowed to bring its diplomats back to the country. A positive signal from the regime which seems to want to gradually reopen its borders.
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With our correspondent in Seoul, Celio Fioretti
Back in the “hermit” regime after four years of absence, Andreas Bengtsson, Swedish ambassador to North Koreahas dropped off his bags in Pyongyang.
Despite the departure of its staff in 2020, Sweden never officially closed its embassy, choosing to continue operations with local staff but without Swedish diplomats in Pyongyang. The return is the first by a Western nation.
Towards a reopening of the borders?
Please note that the Suede is not just any country on the Korean peninsula. Neutral like Switzerland, the European country is an intermediary in many negotiations between the West and the North Korean regime.
North Korea has also informed Poland and the United Kingdom that their diplomats may return to Pyongyang soon.
This is another step towards a possible reopening of the country. A few weeks earlier, the travel agency Koryo Tour announced a reopening for winter 2024, but nothing has yet been officially confirmed by the regime.
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