This picture shows the North Korean Embassy in Singapore, Aug. 2, 2018. Yonhap

North Korea's newly appointed ambassador to Singapore took office this week, state media reported Friday, in the latest move to resume diplomatic activities long stalled due to the isolated country's strict COVID-19 restrictions.

Ri Kil-song officially began his term Tuesday after presenting his credentials to Singapore's President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, according to the North's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

The Singaporean leader expressed hopes for the stabilization of the lives of victims of recent floods in North Korea, the KCNA said. Late last month, heavy rains flooded large areas along the Amnok River in the northern part of the country.

Ri appears to have served as a vice foreign minister handling Asian affairs until 2020.

North Korea has recently made efforts to restart in-person diplomatic activities after easing its border restrictions in August 2023, appointing new ambassadors to Vietnam, Thailand and Romania. (Yonhap)