In response to North Korea’s declaration of break-up, Malaysia ordered the North Korean embassy staff in Kuala Lumpur to leave within 48 hours. In addition, it officially announced that it would withdraw the Malaysian embassy in Pyongyang, which was virtually closed after the assassination of Kim Jong-nam in 2017.
The Malaysian government issued a statement on the 19th (local time), saying, “We express our deep regret for North Korea’s decision to break up relations,” and accused it of “This decision is unfriendly, unconstructive and undermines the spirit of mutual respect and friendly relations between members of the international community.” .
“Malaysia has regarded North Korea as a close partner after diplomatic relations in 1973, and has consistently supported North Korea even in difficult times,” he said.
“North Korea’s unilateral decision is unfair and unbalanced,” he said. “It is a sure obstacle to promoting peace, stability and prosperity in the region.”
Earlier, the North Korean Foreign Ministry declared a break-up on the grounds that Malaysia handed over North Korean citizens to the United States. Malaysia broke sanctions against North Korea, sent luxury goods to North Korea, and surrendered Moon, 56, to the US Federal Bureau of Investigation, who is accused of laundering money through a ghost company.
Moon denied the charges, but a Malaysian court approved Moon’s extradition in December 2019, and the Malaysian Supreme Court also sent him to the United States, dismissing Moon’s appeal earlier this month.
The North Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned that “the US will pay a decent price,” saying, “It is a direct product of the anti-Republican conspiracy collusion created by the US’s heinous hostility to isolate and destroy our Republic and the pro-American humiliation of the Malaysian authorities.”
Deputy Ambassador of North Korea Yu-Sung Kim, Weekend Lasia, in Malaysian media <더스트레이츠타임스>“We will close the door,” he said. “We are in contact with (with the North Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs) and discuss the withdrawal plan.”
However, the Malaysian government refuted that “our friends and partners who support the principle of justice and the rule of law and peaceful coexistence between countries will fully understand Malaysia’s position.”
In addition, he emphasized that “Mr. Moon’s counsel, consular assistance, family visits, etc., all rights were guaranteed during detention,” he said. “The transfer of recruits (to the United States) was completed after all legal procedures were completed.”
Malaysia and North Korea maintained friendly relations for a long time, but on February 13, 2017, the assassination of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Kim Jong-nam took place at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
The two countries matched each other’s ambassadors, and North Korea held hostages by detaining all Malaysians in their country. Eventually, Malaysia brought all its own citizens on condition that Kim Jong-nam’s body was delivered to North Korea.
However, Malaysia has maintained an uncomfortable relationship, such as deporting North Korean workers dispatched to their country due to UN sanctions and abandoning the mutual visa waiver agreement.
The Associated Press analyzed that “Malaysia was an important Southeast Asian base where North Korea engaged in trade, dispatching workers, and circulating illegal funds,” and said, “However, Malaysia’s decision was judged as pressure on North Korea from the international community and took a tough response. .