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FM: Grounds prepared for expansion of Tehran-Pyongyang ties

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Tehran, Nov 12, IRNA
North Korea-Iran-Mottaki
Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki conferred with his North Korean counterpart Pak Ui Chun on expansion of mutual relations as well as regional developments.

According to the Information and Press Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at the meeting, Mottaki said there are suitable grounds for promotion of cooperation between the two countries.

On regional developments, he said both countries share common stands on international issues.

On economic cooperation between the two sides, he underlined the need for drawing up a new working plan to cover various fields such as construction sector, energy, transportation and agriculture.

"We are ready to take new measures to further bolster economic ties between the two countries in line with the will of both sides' leaders," he said.

The North Korean foreign minister, for his part, said the two sides' relations are very deep-rooted and senior Iranian and North Korean officials call for expansion of such ties.

Highlighting the significant role of Iran as a regional power in the Middle East, he said, "having common enemies have helped us further consolidate friendly ties between the two nations." "We should increase the volume of trade exchange between the two countries to keep pace with political ties between the two countries," he underlined.

Mottaki heading a delegation arrived in Pyongyang on Wednesday.

Upon arrival, Mottaki was welcomed by Iranian Ambassador to North Korea Morteza Moradian and a number of North Korean Foreign Ministry officials.

During his one-day stay in North Korea, Mottaki is to hold talks with Chairman of the Supreme People's Assembly (Parliament) of North Korea Choe Thae Bok and President of the Presidium Kim Yong Nam.

The talks will focus on enhancing Tehran-Pyongyang ties and the latest international and regional developments.

Kim Yong Nam holds the second high-ranking position in North Korea after the first who is the leader of the country Kim Jong Il.

This visit is the second leg of Iranian foreign minister's four-nation regional tour of South-East Asia.

Mottaki visited Malaysia on the first leg of his tour.

After meeting with senior North Korean officials, Mottaki will go to Seoul, South Korea.

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