Switzerland reopens diplomatic office in Pyongyang after six-year closure as Cassis seeks renewed talks with North Korea

Switzerland has formally reopened its diplomatic office in Pyongyang after a six-year closure, restoring a permanent diplomatic presence in North Korea as Bern seeks to deepen direct political dialogue with the country.

Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis attended the official reopening on Oct. 29 during a two-day visit to Pyongyang, where he also held political talks with North Korean authorities.

The Swiss government said the visit forms part of Bern’s long-standing engagement for peace on the Korean Peninsula and is intended to revive bilateral consultations that were disrupted after Switzerland closed its office during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cassis was scheduled to remain in North Korea through Oct. 30 before traveling to Seoul for talks with South Korean officials.

Switzerland has historically maintained diplomatic relations with both Koreas and has frequently positioned itself as a neutral intermediary in international disputes.