North Korea has closed its embassies in Angola and Uganda, two of its long-time allies in Africa, according to South Korea’s unification ministry. The move is seen as a sign of the country’s worsening economic situation due to international sanctions.
Angola and Uganda have maintained friendly relations with North Korea since the 1970s, providing military cooperation and foreign currency. However, the KCNA, a media outlet in Pyongyang, reported that its delegates paid farewell visits to Angolan and Ugandan leaders last week.
The unification ministry said that North Korea is withdrawing from its diplomatic missions as its foreign currency earning business has stumbled due to the international community’s strengthening of sanctions.
“This can be a sign of North Korea’s difficult economic situation, where it is difficult to maintain even minimal diplomatic relations with traditionally friendly countries”, the ministry said in a statement.
North Korea has been under severe economic pressure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, natural disasters, and sanctions imposed by the United Nations and other countries over its nuclear and missile programs. The country has also cut off most of its trade and communication with the outside world to prevent the spread of the virus.
Some analysts believe that North Korea is trying to save resources and focus on its domestic affairs ahead of a major political event in January 2024, when leader Kim Jong-un is expected to announce a new five-year economic plan.
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