World · East Asia & Pacific · 7 hrs ago
Swiss foreign minister to reopen diplomatic office in North Korea
Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis will visit North Korea this week for political talks and the formal reopening of his country’s diplomatic office in Pyongyang.
The office has been operating since October 19 and reports to the Swiss embassy in Beijing, which remains responsible for diplomatic and consular relations with North Korea.
Switzerland withdrew its staff from Pyongyang in 2020 during the Covid pandemic, after maintaining a development office there since 1997.
The new office has a diplomatic role, unlike the earlier development office.
Cassis and North Korean officials are expected to discuss security on the Korean peninsula and restarting consultations between their foreign ministries.
A meeting with leader Kim Jong Un has not been announced, and Switzerland says the visit does not mean sanctions will be eased.
Cassis will travel to Seoul afterwards for talks with South Korean officials.
Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis will travel to North Korea this week for political talks and the formal reopening of Switzerland’s diplomatic office in Pyongyang.
The office has been operational since October 19 and reports to Switzerland’s embassy in Beijing.
Talks are expected to cover security on the Korean peninsula and resuming bilateral consultations between the countries’ foreign ministries.
Cassis is scheduled to travel to Seoul after his North Korea visit for talks with South Korean officials.
Switzerland said the trip does not involve easing sanctions against North Korea.
- Who
- Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis.
- What
- He will hold political talks in North Korea and formally reopen Switzerland’s diplomatic office in Pyongyang.
- When
- His trip is scheduled for October 29 to 31, 2026. The office opening is planned for October 30.
- Where
- Pyongyang, North Korea; he will then travel to Seoul, South Korea.
- Why
- To hold political talks, discuss security on the Korean peninsula and resume bilateral consultations.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Switzerland withdrew its personnel from North Korea during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Swiss diplomatic office in Pyongyang became operational.
Cassis is scheduled to visit North and South Korea.
Switzerland plans to formally reopen its diplomatic office in Pyongyang.
- Swiss foreign minister
- Ignazio Cassis
- North Korea office
- Operational since October 19, 2026
- Office oversight
- Swiss embassy in Beijing
- Planned formal opening
- October 30, 2026
- Trip dates
- October 29–31, 2026
- Sanctions
- Switzerland continues to support UN sanctions against North Korea