SEOUL - North Korea has recently announced the closure of several of its embassies, including those in Spain, Hong Kong, and certain African nations, affecting nearly a quarter of its diplomatic missions worldwide. The decision has sparked speculation about the reasons behind the closures and the potential implications for the reclusive nation.

The move comes amidst North Korea's ongoing financial difficulties, which have been exacerbated by a combination of factors. International sanctions imposed on the country, primarily due to its nuclear weapons program, have severely hampered its economy. Targeting key sectors such as banking, imports, and exports, these sanctions have restricted North Korea's ability to engage in international trade and access foreign currency.

The global COVID-19 pandemic has further strained North Korea's economy, as the country has taken stringent measures to prevent the spread of the virus. This includes closing its borders, which has cut off vital trade with its major economic partner, China. For a nation heavily reliant on revenue and aid from China, the border closures have significantly impacted foreign currency reserves and exacerbated existing economic challenges.

The closures raise questions about the financial viability of maintaining overseas diplomatic posts for North Korea. In the past, the embassies have played a role in generating funds for the regime through various activities. However, tighter enforcement of sanctions has made these activities more challenging, reducing the embassy's ability to generate income.

Notably, this level of embassy closure has not been seen since the mid to late 1990s, during a devastating famine that resulted in widespread death and food shortages. While the current situation may not be at that same severity, experts believe North Korea's dire economic situation and decreasing foreign currency reserves have compelled the regime to scale back its diplomatic presence.

Moreover, the embassy closures highlight a shift in North Korea's diplomatic strategy, as the nation aligns itself more closely with China and Russia. With the closure of embassies in Spain and Hong Kong, both significant Western-leaning regions, North Korea's emphasis on its alliance with China and Russia becomes more apparent.

As North Korea bids farewell to its African allies, experts suggest that the closures signal the effectiveness of UN sanctions and the mounting pressure on the country. The closures serve as a stark reminder of the challenges facing North Korea's economy and its evolving approach to diplomacy in a changing global landscape.