Swiss FM briefs Seoul on Pyongyang trip after reopening diplomatic office

On October 30, 2026, Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis briefed South Korea on his recent trip to North Korea, where Switzerland reopened its diplomatic office. Cassis met with Jeong Yeon-du, South Korea's vice foreign minister for strategy and intelligence, during a dinner meeting in Seoul.

During their discussion, both officials emphasized the importance of pursuing peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. Jeong expressed South Korea's keen interest in the reopening of the Swiss diplomatic office, highlighting its potential role in facilitating engagement with Pyongyang.

Cassis, who had just returned from his two-day visit to North Korea, mentioned that he and North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui had discussed the new format for the diplomatic office, regularizing political relations, and reestablishing political dialogue. They also exchanged views on security issues affecting the Korean Peninsula and broader Eurasian security challenges.

In addition to his meeting with Jeong, Cassis also met with South Korea's National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac, where they agreed to maintain close communication to promote peace and stability in the region. The reopening of the Swiss diplomatic office marks a significant step in diplomatic efforts in the area, as Switzerland previously operated a humanitarian office in Pyongyang from 1997 until its closure in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.