North Korea raps US restoration of sanctions on Iran
Rouhani calls US ‘unreliable’
North Korea’s foreign minister on Wednesday criticized the US decision to snap back sanctions on Iran following its withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal.
In a meeting with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in Tehran, Ri Yong-ho said the US and the subsequent reimposition of the sanctions that had been lifted under the multilateral agreement are wrong and run counter to international law, Press TV reported.
Ri added that Tehran and Pyongyang enjoy friendly relations and share common views on various regional and international issues.
The enhancement of relations with Iran and confronting unilateralism are among North Korea’s strategic policies, he said.
The North Korean diplomat further briefed Rouhani on the negotiations between Pyongyang and Washington that took place in Singapore in June.
‘Unreliable country’
Meanwhile, President Rouhani said that due to its performance in recent years, the US has become an “unreliable” state in the eyes of the international community – a state which does not honor its commitments. Under the current circumstances, he said, friendly countries should stand together and boost their cooperation.
Iran is willing to expand relations and cooperation on all fronts with the global community, including Pyongyang, Rouhani added.
The president also said that Iran seeks peace and security on the Korean Peninsula, and that Tehran attaches significance to the developments in that region. Ri arrived in Tehran on Tuesday for an official visit at his own request. Earlier he met with Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif for discussions on bilateral, regional and international issues.
The two ministers expressed satisfaction with the quality of Tehran-pyongyang ties and welcomed further enhancement of relations.
The last time he visited Tehran, Ri accompanied a North Korean delegation to take part in President Rouhani’s inauguration ceremony.
The North Korean minister, whose country has for years been under pressure by the US, arrived in Tehran hours after Washington reimposed its sanctions on Iran.
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 Republic has also warned Pyongyang of Washington’s unreliability when it comes to deal making.