Nigeria is set to reopen its embassy in North Korea, making it the second African country after Egypt to maintain a diplomatic presence in the Asian nation. The Interim Commissioner for Affairs, Patrick Imodu Imologome, announced this during a visit to the Russian Ambassador in Pyongyang. Nigeria’s diplomatic relations with North Korea were stalled in 2021 due to a UN ban on hiring North Korean professionals, imposed as a sanction against the country’s nuclear activities.
Background
Nigeria and North Korea established diplomatic relations in 1976 and have since cooperated in various areas, including investment, economic cooperation and public health. Despite the UN ban, Nigeria maintained a cordial relationship with North Korea and even sought its help in combating the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
Reopening the Embassy
The reopening of the Nigerian embassy in Pyongyang marks a significant development in the country’s diplomatic relations with North Korea. The move is expected to strengthen bilateral ties and promote cooperation in areas such as trade, investment and culture.
Key Points:
1. Diplomatic Relations: Nigeria and North Korea established diplomatic relations in 1976.
2. Cooperation Agreements: Both countries signed agreements on investment, economic cooperation and public health.
3. Trade: North Korea exported $2.5 million worth of goods to Nigeria in 2019, while Nigeria exported $505,000 worth of goods.
4. Embassy Reopening: Nigeria’s embassy in Pyongyang will reopen, strengthening diplomatic ties.
The reopening of the embassy is a positive step towards enhancing Nigeria-North Korea relations and promoting mutual understanding and cooperation.
Source: The Guardian
