DPRK steps up diplomatic efforts

The Democratic People' s Republic of Korea (DPRK) has stepped up diplomatic efforts to win support from developing countries amid its tension with the United States, according to official media reports.

DPRK diplomats recently met with the heads of state or government of several African and Arab countries, while sending messages to Syria, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Tanzania expressing willingness to strengthen ties.

The DPRK's efforts in engaging Arab countries was on display this week in a meeting between DPRK Vice Foreign Minister Sin Hong Chol and Hassane Rabehi, General Secretary of Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

"The vice minister stressed the need to expand and develop the bilateral relations unaffected by the change of the situation," said the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

The DPRK supports Arab countries in their wars with Israel, backs the Syrian government in the ongoing civil war, and maintains close ties with Iran. It also has diplomatic ties with Palestine.

When meeting the DPRK envoy this week, Lebanese President Michel Aoun said his country will further develop friendly relations with the DPRK, wishing the Korean people greater all-round development, according to reports by the KCNA.

The DPRK also maintains close ties with Cuba, whose late leader Fidel Castro had enjoyed good personal relations with DPRK's founding president Kim Il Sung. A DPRK delegation left for Cuba Thursday to attend an international labor unions' conference in Havana.

Prior to the DPRK delegation's arrival, Aise Sotolong, Cuban ambassador to the DPRK, held a reception Wednesday in Havana to mark the 105th birth anniversary of President Kim Il Sung.

The ambassador said the Cuban people will extend support and solidarity to the just cause of the Korean people, who are protecting the country's sovereignty and always stand by them in the struggle against imperialism.

Some African countries have kept close ties with the DPRK due to its historical solidarity with the continent in its fight for independence.

Equatorial Guinean President Obiang Mbasogo said recently that the relationship between the two countries has a history of nearly five decades.

"Equatorial Guinea will never forget the DPRK, which rendered active support and encouragement to the African countries in their struggle for independence, sovereignty and development, and will always remain a close friend of the DPRK," the KCNA quoted him as saying.