The newly appointed Swedish Ambassador to North Korea Andreas Bengtsson officially commenced his duties on Thursday by presenting his credentials to North Korean officials. This marks a significant step as Sweden becomes the first Western country to reopen its embassy in Pyongyang since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Swedish Ambassador to North Korea Andreas Bengtsson / Courtesy of Embassy of Sweden website

According to the Korean Central News Agency, Bengtsson handed over his credentials, sent by King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden, during a ceremony at the Mansudae Assembly Hall. The credentials were received by Choe Ryong-hae, the chairman of the Standing Committee of the Supreme People's Assembly, who was acting on behalf of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Following the credential presentation, Choe engaged in discussions with Bengtsson.

North Korea reopened its borders in August 2023 but initially limited embassy operations to a select group of pro-North countries, including China, Russia, Mongolia and Cuba. Sweden's move to reestablish its diplomatic presence is seen as a significant development in Western diplomatic efforts in North Korea.

Bengtsson arrived in Pyongyang in September, continuing Sweden's long-standing diplomatic relationship with North Korea, which dates back to 1973 when Sweden became the first Western nation to establish formal diplomatic ties with the isolated country. Over the years, Sweden has not only provided consular services for American citizens in North Korea but has also played a mediating role between North Korea and the United States.

Sweden's diplomatic efforts have included notable actions such as assisting in the repatriation of U.S. soldier Travis King, who crossed into North Korea without authorization in July last year. Additionally, Stockholm was the venue for working-level negotiations between North Korea and the U.S. in 2019.

In preparation for the reopening of its embassy, Sweden has been actively engaging with North Korean officials. In February, Bengtsson, then the designated ambassador, visited North Korea and met with the Chinese Ambassador to North Korea Wang Yajun, among other diplomatic activities.

The Swedish Embassy in Pyongyang is one of the first embassies in North Korea, opening in 1975. Sweden was the only Western country with uninterrupted diplomatic representation in the city until 2001.