RP, N. Korea begin diplomatic ties

RP, N. Korea begin diplomatic ties

MANILA (AFP): The Philippines and North Korea signed an agreement here on Wednesday establishing diplomatic relations.

The Philippines is the last member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to establish relations with North Korea, paving the way for the Stalinist state to join a key regional security forum later this month.

Philippine Foreign Secretary Domingo Siazon and North Korean Ambassador to Thailand Jo In Chol signed the pact Wednesday at the foreign ministry here.

Diplomatic ties with all ASEAN members is a requirement for any nation wanting to join the ASEAN Regional Forum, the only security forum in Asia which has the world's big powers like the United States, China and Russia as members.