North Korean construction workers employed in Russia in early July were involved in packing the private luggage of diplomats from their country who were returning home – Daily NK portal found outwho spoke to an anonymous source from Russia. In addition to the typical thingssuch as clothes or cosmetics, many officials took with them, among others, dishwashers, refrigerators and large, modern TV sets.
North Korean diplomats return home after 4 years, with what they take with them often not even a container
Foreign Ministry diplomats who served four years in Russia are returning to North Korea. Workers who helped with the move were reportedly surprised to find that the diplomats had the latest models of items rarely seen in North Korean homes. They were also shocked by the number of top-of-the-range musical instruments – pianos, accordions, violins and flutes.
– One of the workers mentioned that each consulate employee had a container 12 meters long, 2.5 meters wide and three meters high. But these were not large enough to accommodate all the furniture and equipment – the source told the portal.
The containers were sent to the port of Wonsan, from where they will then be shipped to Pyongyang. The North Korean consulate staff could afford to buy so many goods despite the high pricebecause they earned money in foreign countries currencies.
Russia has become the best destination for Kim Jong-un's diplomats. Countries tighten cooperation
Daily NK's source also said that North Korea and Russia are strengthening their economic and other cooperation. This has allowed Kim Jong-un's diplomats in Russia to earn more foreign currency than officials sent to other countries. For this reason, Russia has become the preferred destination for ambassadors.
At the same time, however, the workers helping with packing did not receive salaries“It was basically volunteer work because we didn't get anything for the whole day work“No one would normally take on such hard work, but you can't say no to a manager when he asks for help,” the source told Daily NK.