Nicaragua Closes Embassy in South Korea for Second Time in a Decade

Nicaragua has decided to close its embassy in South Korea for the second time in 10 years, citing financial difficulties as the main reason. The Nicaraguan government recently informed South Korea of this decision, and the embassy closure is expected to happen soon.

This is not the first time Nicaragua has closed its embassy in Seoul. The country previously closed the embassy in May 1997 due to financial constraints, with the Nicaraguan Embassy in Tokyo, Japan, handling diplomatic responsibilities for South Korea until 2014. Nicaragua then reopened its embassy in Seoul that year, but now it will be closed again.

The Nicaraguan government has withdrawn the appointment of its current ambassador to South Korea, Zhenia Ruth Arce Zepeda, who had assumed the post just 9 months ago. Instead, Nicaragua is expected to maintain its diplomatic presence in Seoul by having one of its top envoys stationed in neighboring countries also serve as the envoy to South Korea.

The closure of the Nicaragua Embassy in Seoul coincides with the country's efforts to strengthen ties with China and align more closely with Russia, including the signing of a joint declaration rejecting sanctions on Monday. Nicaragua is considered an anti-American, pro-Russian country in Central and South America, and it has been withdrawing its diplomats from Western countries, including the UK and Germany, due to financial issues.

Why this matters: Nicaragua's decision to close its embassy in South Korea for the second time in a decade reflects the country's worsening financial situation and its shifting diplomatic priorities. The move also highlights Nicaragua's growing alignment with countries like China and Russia, which could have implications for regional geopolitics and international relations.

Despite the closure of its embassy in Seoul, South Korea's embassy in Managua, Nicaragua, will continue to operate. The Nicaraguan government's decision to close its embassy in South Korea contrasts with its announcement last year to establish an embassy in North Korea, which has not materialized yet.

Key Takeaways

• Nicaragua to close its embassy in South Korea, citing financial difficulties.
• This is the second time Nicaragua has closed its embassy in Seoul since 1997.
• Nicaragua to maintain diplomatic presence in Seoul through envoy stationed in neighboring countries.
• Nicaragua aligning more closely with China and Russia, withdrawing diplomats from Western countries.
• South Korea's embassy in Nicaragua to continue operating despite the closure.