Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing met North Korean Ambassador Jong Ho Bom, who is completing his diplomatic posting in Myanmar, at the Presidential Office in Naypyidaw on 22 July, according to a statement released by the Myanmar authorities.
The two sides discussed strengthening diplomatic relations and friendship between the two countries, as well as expanding bilateral cooperation, the statement said.
They also exchanged views on political developments in Myanmar, North Korea’s development efforts, each country’s foreign policy and areas of potential mutual cooperation, according to the authorities.
The statement, however, did not specify which sectors or projects were discussed as potential areas for expanded cooperation.
North Korea remains subject to extensive United Nations Security Council sanctions over its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs.
Previous reports by U.N. panels of experts have documented military and defence-related links between North Korea and Myanmar’s armed forces, including allegations of cooperation involving arms and military technology.
Myanmar severed diplomatic relations with North Korea following the 1983 Rangoon bombing, before restoring ties in 2007.
In 2017, Myanmar expelled a North Korean diplomat accused of links to a company subject to U.N. sanctions over North Korea’s weapons programs.
The Myanmar authorities did not indicate whether the meeting included discussions related to security or defence cooperation.
