Russian ambassador to North Korea dies at 70

Alexander Matsegora, Russian Ambassador to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), has passed away at the age of 70, the Russian Foreign Ministry has announced.

“The memory of an outstanding Russian diplomat and patriot, who made a significant contribution to the establishment and deepening of the comprehensive strategic partnership between Russia and the DPRK, will remain bright,” the ministry said.

Matsegora was appointed Russian ambassador to North Korea in 2015. From 2006 to 2011, he served as minister-counsellor at the Russian embassy in Pyongyang. After that, from 2011 to 2014, he served as Deputy Director of the First Asian Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry.

By Khagan Isayev