Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan Concludes Working Visit to North Korea

During his visit to North Korea, Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan met Jo Yong Won, chairman of the Standing Committee of the Supreme People’s Assembly, who briefed him on political developments in the country, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The discussions focused on the importance of dialogue and communication at a time of global uncertainty, with Dr Balakrishnan saying that maintaining contact between countries is essential for peace and stability.

The ministry said Dr Balakrishnan and Mr Jo also discussed North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s visit to Singapore in 2018 for the first US-North Korea summit, which both sides described as historic. The meeting appeared to reflect an effort to sustain diplomatic engagement despite long-standing tensions on the Korean Peninsula and wider geopolitical challenges.

In a post on Instagram, Dr Balakrishnan said he was pleased to return to Pyongyang, which he last visited in 2018. He noted that Singapore and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea marked 50 years of diplomatic relations in 2025, describing bilateral ties as friendly and grounded in mutual respect and continued engagement over the decades.

Dr Balakrishnan also said North Korea continues to be an important member of the ASEAN Regional Forum, especially during a period when diplomacy and communication are needed more than ever. His remarks underscored Singapore’s support for keeping channels open with the DPRK and for regional mechanisms that encourage dialogue.

The visit comes as governments in Asia and beyond continue to navigate shifting security, economic and political conditions. Against that backdrop, Singapore’s message emphasized the value of steady diplomatic contact, even among countries with differing positions and complex histories. The engagement also highlighted Singapore’s continued interest in multilateral platforms and in fostering regional stability through conversation rather than confrontation.

By recalling the 2018 summit in Singapore and marking the anniversary of bilateral ties in 2025, both sides signaled the endurance of their relationship despite the passage of time and changing global circumstances. The discussions in Pyongyang reinforced Singapore’s view that diplomacy remains a necessary tool for managing uncertainty and preserving peace.