N. Korean leader meets Cuban president in Pyongyang

SEOUL (AFP) – North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met with visiting Cuban president in Pyongyang and discussed ''crucial issues of common concern'' on the current international situation, the North's state media reported Monday.

The visit by Miguel Diaz-Canel comes amid stalled talks between North Korea and the United States and only days after Washington imposed fresh economic restrictions on Cuba.

Washington's ties with Havana were fully restored in 2015 after more than half a century of enmity, but have deteriorated since President Donald Trump took office.

Communist Cuba is one of North Korea's few remaining allies.

''There was an in-depth exchange of views on the crucial issues of common concern... on the international situation and a consensus of views on all issues was reached,'' said the official KCNA news agency.

Diaz-Canel was greeted by Kim and his wife Ri Sol Ju at the Pyongyang International Airport on Sunday, KCNA reported, where he was given a 21-gun salute and later attended a banquet and enjoyed a special welcoming concert with them.

Giving a toast at the banquet, Kim said his meeting with the Cuban leader ''marked a watershed in demonstrating the will to carry forward forever the friendship between the two countries."