Why NKorea is shutting its embassies in many nations

North Korea is reportedly closing its overseas embassies as its economy struggles and it embraces a “new Cold War” diplomacy with Russia. The country has recently closed embassies in Hong Kong and Spain and announced “farewell visits” by its ambassadors to African allies. Experts suggest that the closures indicate the effectiveness of UN sanctions against North Korea and the country’s dire economic situation. The closures also highlight a shift in Pyongyang’s diplomatic strategy, as it aligns more closely with China and Russia.