The closure of North Korean embassies in several countries, including Angola and Uganda, is part of the usual re-organization of the Foreign Ministry's work based on the evolution of the international situation, Pyongyang explained.
"We close or open diplomatic missions in countries depending on the evolution of the international situation and the foreign policy of the state," says the diplomatic spokesman, quoted on the ministry's website.
According to him, the reallocation and effective management of diplomatic capacity is part of the normal work of promoting the national interests of a sovereign state in relations with other countries.
The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) has taken similar measures in the past and will make necessary decisions in the future based on the global situation, the official added.
Farewell Visit and Possible New Closures
Earlier, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that the North Korean ambassadors to Angola and Uganda paid farewell visits to the presidents of those countries.
In addition, the Communist Party of the Peoples of Spain issued a statement on the closure of the North Korean embassy in Madrid. The Japanese newspaper Yomiuri reported that Pyongyang was considering closing its consulate in Hong Kong.
In South Korea, the Yonhap News Agency speculated that the closure of the embassies would be related to Pyongyang's economic difficulties and international sanctions.
"This shows that North Korea is working to maintain minimal diplomatic relations with its traditional allies due to the difficult economic situation," the agency reported, citing an unnamed Unification Ministry official.