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.