Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), concluded a visit to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the Republic of Korea on Saturday (31 Oct), as Switzerland seeks to strengthen diplomatic engagement on the Korean Peninsula.
During talks in Pyongyang, Cassis met Choe Son Hui, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the DPRK, and Jo Yong Won, Secretary of the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea. Switzerland also officially reopened its diplomatic office in the North Korean capital.
- Switzerland’s diplomatic office in Pyongyang resumed operations under the Swiss Embassy in Beijing.
- Discussions covered Korean Peninsula security, wider Eurasian challenges and Switzerland’s bilateral relations with both countries.
- Cassis held meetings in Seoul with Wi Sung-lac, National Security Adviser, and Jeong Yeondoo, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs.
- Switzerland has participated in the Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission (NNSC) since 1953.
The visit reflects Switzerland’s long-standing policy of maintaining dialogue with both Koreas and preserving diplomatic channels in a region marked by persistent security tensions.