Australia forced to rely on Sweden to find Alek Sigley, student missing in North Korea

Foreign Minister Marise Payne says a Swedish envoy is making urgent inquiries in North Korea about missing Perth student Alek Sigley.

Speaking on 2GB radio this afternoon, Minister Payne said the government had asked a Swedish envoy which is making a scheduled trip to North Korea to make inquiries with North Korea about missing student Mr Sigley.

Australia does not have its own embassy in North Korea which is why it has been forced to rely on Sweden.

“Sweden’s special envoy is making a regularly scheduled visit to North Korea this week and as I’ve said we’re working with them very closely on this matter,” Minister Payne said.

“The Australian government is very concerned about Alek Sigley’s welfare he hasn’t been in contact with his family and that is desperately out of character”.

When asked if the government had asked US President Donald Trump specifically for assistance finding Mr Sigley, Minister Payne said it was working with every available partner including close allies.

Mr Sigley, 29, had been living in North Korea since last year. Department of Foreign and Affairs and Trade have been unable to confirm whether he has been arrested and detained.