AP: North Korea’s No. 2 leader met with a high-level Iranian delegation Friday, highlighting the good relations between the two countries, both facing international outcries regarding their nuclear programs. Associated Press
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) – North Korea’s No. 2 leader met with a high-level Iranian delegation Friday, highlighting the good relations between the two countries, both facing international outcries regarding their nuclear programs.
Kim Yong Nam had a “friendly talk” with Iran’s Vice Foreign Minister Mahdi Safari, the North’s official Korean Central News Agency reported, without giving any details of their discussions. The two countries also signed a three-year agreement on unspecified cultural and scientific exchanges at a separate ceremony, KCNA said.
North Korea and Iran have been labeled by President Bush as part of an “axis of evil,” which at the time also included Saddam Hussein’s Iraq.
North Korea is believed to have sold missiles to Iran, and Pyongyang’s nuclear test in October has raised concerns about possible atomic proliferation – despite the North’s pledges not to allow the spread of its nuclear technology.
Iran claims it is pursuing nuclear technology to generate electricity and has based its program on enriched uranium. North Korea has publicly acknowledged its weapons program uses plutonium.
