FMs of Iran, North Korea meet in Tehran, discuss issues of common interest

Heading a high-ranking delegation, the top North Korean diplomat arrived in Tehran on Tuesday and met with his Iranian counterpart, Mohammad Javad Zarif, for discussions on bilateral, regional and international issues.

During the meeting, which took place at Ri’s own request, the two ministers expressed satisfaction with the quality of Tehran-Pyongyang ties and welcomed further enhancement of relations, IRNA reported.

Last time, he visited Tehran as part of a North Korean delegation to take part in the ceremony held for Iranian President Hassan Rouhani’s inauguration.

This is the first time a senior North Korean official visits Iran since June 12, when US President Donald Trump held a historic summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Singapore.

The North Korean minister, whose country has for years been under pressure by the US, arrived in Tehran hours after Washington re-imposed its sanctions against Iran, which had been lifted under a 2015 multilateral nuclear deal.

The US unilaterally pulled out of that deal in May.

Tehran has invariably called for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, while discouraging regional tensions that could pave the way for foreign intervention.

The Islamic Repulic has also warned Pyongyang about the unreliability of Washington when it comes to deal making.