North Korea has sent its delegation to the United Nations General Assembly for the first time since 2018, marking a potential shift in its foreign policy. Vice Foreign Minister Kim Son-gyong, who last appeared in public in 2017, will represent the country at the event. This move follows the collapse of direct diplomacy between North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong-un, and former U.S. President Donald Trump, which marked the end of the 2018 summit.
Analysts suggest that North Korea’s decision to send officials directly from Pyongyang to the U.N. General Assembly may indicate a willingness to reengage with the international community. The delegation’s presence at the event could signal a desire for dialogue, although the specifics of their agenda remain unclear. The U.N. General Assembly will provide a platform for North Korea to address global issues and potentially signal its intentions regarding regional and international affairs.
While the move is seen as a diplomatic step, it remains to be seen how it will impact ongoing tensions with the United States and South Korea. The presence of Kim Son-gyong, a key figure in North Korea’s foreign relations, underscores the significance of this delegation. As the meeting unfolds, the international community will be watching closely for any signs of progress in North Korea’s diplomatic strategy.