The newly appointed Palestinian ambassador to North Korea has commenced his duties in Pyongyang. This marks the resumption of Palestinian diplomatic activities in North Korea after a hiatus of nearly four years, following North Korea’s complete border closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021.
According to the Russian embassy in North Korea on September 6, Vladimir Topeha, the acting Russian ambassador, met with Omar Al-Faqih, the new Palestinian ambassador, on September 2.
During the meeting, Topeha congratulated Al-Faqih on presenting a copy of his credentials to the North Korean Foreign Ministry and beginning his term. He also expressed his readiness to fully support Al-Faqih’s diplomatic activities.
Al-Faqih, who previously served as the Palestinian chargé d’affaires in Italy, is reportedly assuming an ambassadorial role for the first time.
North Korea has not yet officially disclosed when Al-Faqih arrived in Pyongyang or whether he has formally presented his credentials.
Palestine has long been a traditional ally of North Korea. Pyongyang has consistently criticized Israel in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, and has supported Palestine’s bid for full United Nations (UN) membership.
The appointment of a new ambassador by Palestine is seen as a move to further strengthen its friendly relations with North Korea, which has continuously supported the Palestinian cause.