Iran backs unity between North, South Korea: Zarif

Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says the Islamic Republic supports unity between North and South Korea, stressing that the two countries should settle their differences through dialog.

In a Monday meeting with North Korea’s Deputy Foreign Minister Ril Kil-song in Tehran, Zarif expressed hope that the two Koreas would resolve their issues and misunderstandings through “peaceful means” and “dialogue” in order to meet the interests of their nations and preserve “stability” on the Korean Peninsula.

The top Iranian diplomat further voiced the Islamic Republic’s continued support for the “ideal of unity” between the two neighboring countries.

Zarif further stated that Tehran is determined to further enhance its bilateral ties with Pyongyang in all areas, particularly in the economic sphere.

He also pointed to the common viewpoints of Tehran and Pyongyang on different regional and international issues, calling for continued negotiations between Iranian and North Korean officials on the matters of common interest.

The Iranian foreign minister reaffirmed the Islamic Republic’s stance on the necessity of global nuclear disarmament, emphasizing the right of all countries to use nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.

The North Korean diplomat, for his part, hailed the “good” relations between his country and Iran and said Pyongyang is set to further strengthen its bilateral ties with Tehran in various fields.

Ril further thanked Iran for its humanitarian support for the North Korean people, adding that the North Korean nation and government have always backed Iran’s peaceful nuclear policies and opposed the economic and political pressure exerted on the Islamic Republic.

He also outlined the measures adopted by the North Korean government to create a peaceful atmosphere on the Korean Peninsula, including facilitating the recent reunion of North and South Korean families divided by the 1950-1953 Korean War.