‘Bridge to the West’ – Factsheet on Swedish-DPRK Relations

Sweden is frequently referred to as the “bridge to the West” of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK, commonly referred to as North Korea) due to its long-standing and reliable diplomatic presence in Pyongyang. Sweden was the first Western country to open an embassy in the DPRK in 1975, and it is still one of the few European nations with a presence there. Using its historical neutrality and stable engagement with Pyongyang, Sweden has taken on the crucial duty of promoting the interests of several countries involved in the security dynamics on the Korean Peninsula, particularly the United States of America (USA) and the Republic of Korea (ROK, commonly referred to as South Korea). This factsheet outlines how Sweden has established itself as a reliable partner of the DPRK via ongoing engagement and constructive communication. Sweden’s commitment has benefited other nations, particularly the US, by providing a key “window” into one of the world’s most isolated countries. Furthermore, Sweden as the protecting power of the US has facilitated high-level dialogues between Washington and Pyongyang, as well as ensured the release of several American citizens.