(LEAD) N. Korea’s vice FM, Mongolian president discuss strengthening ties
(ATTN: UPDATES with photos, details released by Mongolia’s foreign ministry in paras 5-6)
SEOUL, March 12 (Yonhap) — North Korea’s Vice Foreign Minister Pak Myong-ho has met with Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh for talks on advancing bilateral ties, state media reported Tuesday.
Their meeting came as a North Korean diplomatic delegation led by Pak departed for the Asian country over the weekend in what marked the first such visit since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020. The North last sent a delegation to the country in 2019.
During their meeting on Monday, Pak and Khurelsukh shared views on advancing bilateral ties, and strengthening exchange and cooperation, the North’s Korean Central News Agency said.
Pak also met with foreign ministry officials, including Mongolian Foreign Minister Battsetseg Batmunkh, to discuss ways to boost mutual support and cooperation, it added.
This photo, taken from the website of Mongolia’s foreign ministry on March 12, 2024, shows North Korea’s Vice Foreign Minister Pak Myong-ho (L) and his Mongolian counterpart, Amartuvshin Gombosuren. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
During talks between Pak and his Mongolian counterpart, Amartuvshin Gombosuren, on Monday, both sides agreed on the need to further strengthen ties through constructive cooperation and step up collaboration in areas including education, culture and agriculture, Mongolia’s foreign ministry said on its web site.
Pak was quoted as stressing the importance of Mongolia as a neighbor in the Northeast Asia region, while Gombosuren expressed hope that the delegation’s visit would contribute to boosting their traditionally friendly relations after the pandemic, according to the ministry.
The latest trip is seen as part of the North’s diplomatic efforts to strengthen ties with its traditionally friendly countries.
Mongolia is viewed as having close relations with the North, having maintained its diplomatic mission in Pyongyang even during the pandemic despite strict border restrictions.
In January, Mongolia’s new top envoy to Pyongyang, Luvsantseren Erdeneddavaa, submitted his letter of credentials to the North.
This photo, taken from the website of Mongolia’s foreign ministry on March 12, 2024, shows North Korea’s Vice Foreign Minister Pak Myong-ho (C) attending talks with his Mongolian counterpart, Amartuvshin Gombosuren. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
mlee@yna.co.kr
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