Nigeria is getting ready to reopen its embassy in Pyongyang, North Korea, which was closed because of the COVID-19 crisis in early 2021.
In a meeting with Russian Ambassador to North Korea Aleksandr Matsegora on December 11, Nigeria’s Charge d’Affaires to North Korea, Patrick Imologhome, made the announcement.
The Russian Embassy said in a statement that the two ambassadors talked about regional concerns impacting the Korean Peninsula as well as bilateral relations.
According to the statement, there was a “thorough exchange of views” between the two envoys, and Matsegora was hopeful about Nigeria’s intentions to resume diplomatic relations in Pyongyang.
“Matsegora expressed heartfelt hopes that efforts to reestablish the Nigerian diplomatic post would be carried out successfully,” the statement said.
In addition, the Russian ambassador promised to support Nigeria’s increased diplomatic engagement and to help the Nigerian delegation accomplish its goals.
“Despite its small size, the DPRK [Democratic People’s Republic of Korea] is known for its unity and amicable climate among diplomats, and he promised full support and help for the constructive working of the diplomatic corps,” the statement continued.
Many foreign embassies and international organizations withdrew as a result of North Korea’s strict pandemic measures, which led to a full border blockade in early 2020. But in August 2023, the nation started to reopen its borders, giving nations like Nigeria the chance to resume diplomatic relations.
Nigeria’s move to reopen its embassy in Pyongyang coincides with ongoing international scrutiny of North Korea.
According to a United Nations report from 2022, Nigeria contemplated buying $3.5 million worth of weaponry from North Korean arms supplier Haegeumgang Trading Corporation, which is associated with the Korean People’s Army. Such an agreement would have violated U.S., European Union, and United Nations sanctions.
The reopening of its embassy is anticipated to rekindle interest in Nigeria-North Korea relations worldwide, even if the Nigerian government did not formally respond to the accusations.
According to diplomatic specialists, this move is a component of Nigeria’s larger plan to improve its international alliances and bolster its diplomatic standing internationally.