New DPRK Ambassador to Czech Republic

Outgoing DPRK Ambassador to the Czech Republic, Ri Pyo'ng-kap (Ri Pyong Gap), during a 2007 meeting in Prague. Ri served as ambassador from 2004 until 2011

Ri Kwang Il has been appointed the DPRK’s new ambassador to the Czech Republic.  Ri previously served as a deputy director of the DPRK Institute for Disarmament and Peace.  He replaces Ri Pyo’ng-kap (Ri Pyong Gap) who had served as ambassador in Prague, as well as nonresident ambassador to Slovakia, since 2004.  It is not clear if there are any other personnel changes (i.e. secretaries, councilors) at the DPRK’s Prague embassy KCNA reports:

Ri Kwang Il was appointed as DPRK ambassador to the Czech Republic, according to a decree of the Presidium of the Supreme People’s Assembly of the DPRK.

Kim Chang-il (L) greets Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung (R) during a 25 May reception in Kim's honor (Photo: VNA)

Meanwhile, DPRK Ambassador to Vietnam Kim Chang-il  was the guest of honor at a 25 May reception in Hanoi hosted by Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung.  Kim was appointed ambassador in November 2010 and replaced Ma Chol Su.  VNA reports:

He said he hoped Ambassador Kim Chang-il would closely work with Vietnamese ministries and departments to strongly promote trade and investment between the two countries during his term of office in Vietnam.

Kim Chang-il congratulated Vietnam on its comprehensive achievements, especially in economic development and the international arena.

He affirmed that he would do his utmost to further promote bilateral friendly and cooperative ties between the two countries.