(VOVWORLD) - Malaysia’s foreign ministry on Friday said it deeply regrets North Korea’s decision to sever diplomatic ties, describing the move as unfriendly and unconstructive.
 The North Korean embassy in Kuala Lumpur on March 19, 2021. (Photo: AFP/VNA) |
In a statement, the ministry said Malaysia would close its embassy in Pyongyang in response and order all diplomatic staff at the North Korean embassy in Kuala Lumpur to leave the country within 48 hours.
North Korea earlier announced it would sever diplomatic relations with Malaysia after a court there ruled that North Korean businessman Mun Chol Myong could be extradited to the United States to face money-laundering charges, state media KCNA reported on Friday.
According to the site, North Korea's Foreign Ministry called the extradition a nefarious act and unpardonably heavy crime that destroyed the entire foundation of the bilateral relations based on the respect for sovereignty.
Malaysia's ministry rejected this claim, insisting Mun's case has been handled in accordance with the principles of justice, the rule of law and independence of the judiciary.