Former N. Korean smuggler diplomat named ambassador to Switzerland

North Korea has named Han Tae-song as its new ambassador to Switzerland, Pyongyang's state media said Thursday.

Han "has been appointed as DPRK ambassador to Switzerland," the Korean Central News Agency said in a short dispatch. 

The DPRK is short for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, the North's formal name.

Han, a career diplomat, has previously served as North Korea's top envoy to Italy, Malta, Greece and Spain. 

North Korean foreign minister Ri Su-yong speaks to a group of government officials and diplomats in Switzerland (Yonhap)

In 1992, while serving in Zimbabwe, he was expelled from the country after being caught engaging in the illicit trafficking of rhino horns. 

Han is known to have much experience in the field of international organizations, specializing in United Nations affairs. 

Replacing So Se-pyong, Han will likely double as the head of North Korea's mission in Geneva.

(Yonhap)