North Korea is expected to open an embassy in Spain, a media report said Thursday.

According to a report by Radio Free Asia, Madrid's foreign ministry recently gave North Korea the green light to set up a diplomatic mission there.

The embassy will be set up at the Aravaca ward in the capital city, with Pyongyang already having signed a lease for the space, the Washington-based broadcaster said, citing local sources.

North Korea established diplomatic relations with Spain in 2001.

In recent months, Pyongyang has moved to expand bilateral exchange with Spain, including by sending 14 young football players to a school in Barcelona. (Yonhap News)