What's happened
A high-level North Korean economic delegation, led by Yun Jong Ho, is on its way to Iran for talks, marking the first known visit since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The visit is seen as part of North Korea's strategy to build alliances against the US and boost cooperation with countries confronting American influence.
Why it matters
The visit by the North Korean delegation to Iran signifies a potential deepening of military ties between the two countries, as they seek to counter US influence and enhance cooperation amid global conflicts. This move could have implications for regional stability and the balance of power in East Asia.
What the papers say
South China Morning Post highlights North Korea's efforts to attract Iran to an anti-imperialist alliance against the US, emphasizing the potential benefits for both countries. The Independent focuses on North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's push to build cooperation with countries confronting the US, amid intensified weapons tests. Nikkei Asia discusses the suspected military ties between North Korea and Iran, particularly in the realm of ballistic missile programs.
How we got here
North Korea and Iran have maintained friendly relations since establishing diplomatic ties in 1973. Both countries have faced international sanctions for their weapons programs, leading them to seek cooperation for mutual benefit. The visit comes amid global tensions, including the conflict in Ukraine and the Israel-Gaza war.
More on these topics
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North Korea, officially the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, is a country in East Asia constituting the northern part of the Korean Peninsula.
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Iran, also called Persia, and officially the Islamic Republic of Iran, is a country in Western Asia. It is bordered to the northwest by Armenia and Azerbaijan, to the north by the Caspian Sea, to the northeast by Turkmenistan, to the east by Afghanistan a
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Pyongyang is the capital and largest city of North Korea. Pyongyang is located on the Taedong River about 109 kilometers upstream from its mouth on the Yellow Sea. According to the 2008 population census, it has a population of 3,255,288. Pyongyang is a d
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The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.