'I'm OK': Australian student speaks after detention in North Korea
Australian student Alek Sigley say he's feeling good after being released from detention by the North Korean government.
The 29-year-old student, originally from Perth, was studying in North Korea and disappeared last month. Friends and family became alarmed when he stopped responding on social media and other channels.
Mr Sigley was filmed walking through Beijing airport on Thursday, where he said: "I'm OK, I'm OK, yeah. I'm good. I'm very good ... I'm great."
But he only responded with "aah" when asked what happened in Pyongyang.
Earlier in the day Prime Minister Scott Morrison confirmed Mr Sigley was "safe and well" and thanked Swedish officials who helped secure his release by by making representations on Australia's behalf.
"Alek is safe and well. The Swedish have advised the Australian government that they met with senior officials from the DPRK [North Korea] yesterday and raised the issue of Alek's disappearance on Australia's behalf," Mr Morrison told federal parliament.
"Earlier this morning, we were advised the DPRK had released Alek from detention, and he has now safely left the country. I can confirm he has arrived safely."
Mr Morrison sent Australia's "deepest gratitude" to Sweden for their help in securing Mr Sigley's release.
"This outcome demonstrates the value of discreet, behind-the-scenes work of officials in resolving complex and sensitive consular cases in close partnership with other governments. I'm sure we all could not be more pleased that we not only know where Alek is, but we know he is safe," Mr Morrison said.
NK News, a South Korea-based online news outfit with which Mr Sigley has close ties, reported that he would travel to Tokyo later on Thursday.
Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese joined Mr Morrison in welcoming the announcement.
"This is indeed good news for Alek, his family and indeed good news for our nation," Mr Albanese said.
Foreign Minister Marise Payne said Mr Sigley’s father had been told his son was safe.
"He is enormously relieved and grateful," she said. "The family has asked that we convey the thanks to everyone who has helped and expressed support for them over the past several days."
Labor's foreign affairs spokeswoman, Penny Wong, added her thanks to Australian officials for their work.
More to come.
with AAP