RP, N. Korea to forge ties

RP, N. Korea to forge ties

MANILA (AP): North Korea and the Philippines will sign an agreement next Wednesday establishing diplomatic ties, clearing the way for the communist country to participate in a regional security forum later this month, officials said on Friday.

North Korean Ambassador to Thailand Jo In-chol is expected to arrive in Manila on Sunday to sign the agreement, portions of which must still be finalized, Philippine officials said.

North Korea objects to a portion of the proposed agreement, stating that both countries are committed to halting proliferation of nuclear weapons, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Lauro Baja Jr. said.

The two sides will probably agree on softer language calling for mutual respect of international agreements that the countries are already committed to, such as the Philippines' signing of the International Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, Baja said.