S Korea, US discussing joint nuclear exercises, says Yoon
Al JazeeraAPR 2023
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
North Korea's leadership is closing its diplomatic missions throughout the globe because it can no longer afford to keep them. This indicates that the international sanctions imposed on the North are working. As a result, Pyongyang is finding it more difficult to obtain foreign currency to retain even the barest of diplomatic ties with its long-standing relationships.
Establishment-critical narrative
Pyongyang has decided to reduce the number of its foreign missions, including those in Spain and Uganda. There is nothing dramatic behind this decision, it's a strategic choice to increase the efficiency of North Korea's external institutions. Pyongyang is determined to continue strengthening its relations with these friendly nations through its other regional missions.