Zain Khan Malghani Photos by Sultan Bashir
Islamabad: Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), is a free and fully sovereign country whose people are hardworking, resilient and firmly supportive of their leadership, the North Korean Ambassador H.E Mr. Choe Chang Min said during a visit to the office of Daily The Spokesman.
The ambassador said the people of North Korea place deep trust in President Kim Jong Un’s leadership. He noted that, since assuming his post, he has maintained a tradition over the past two years of spending New Year’s Day at the Daily The Spokesman office, where a cake-cutting ceremony was held followed by informal discussions with friends.
During the interaction, the H.E Choe Chang Min shared views on his country’s policies and priorities. He said North Korea is giving special attention to agriculture, an area of personal interest for President Kim Jong Un, adding that wheat production and overall agricultural output have shown significant improvement.
The ambassador stressed that North Korea does not compromise on its dignity or independence. He said sanctions imposed by the United States and certain other countries have, instead of weakening the country, strengthened its resolve by encouraging self-reliance. “We have endured these restrictions for the past 30 to 35 years and are fully prepared to compete with the world in every sphere,” he said.
Responding to a question, the ambassador said North Korea desires friendly relations with all countries and seeks to promote global goodwill. Speaking about Pakistan, he said he personally holds Pakistan in high regard and that the North Korean people also view Pakistan positively. “From the very beginning, we have considered Pakistan a good friend,” he remarked.
On diplomatic matters, the ambassador said the North Korean Embassy continues to function normally in Pakistan, while Pakistan’s embassy in North Korea has remained closed for the past seven years. He said the matter has been raised on several occasions with Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with requests for reopening. However, he added that this remains a sovereign decision of the Government of Pakistan and does not affect bilateral relations.
The ambassador also noted that North Korea has no major concerns, but wishes to draw international attention to ongoing joint military exercises involving American submarines and naval vessels with South Korea. While these activities do not pose an immediate threat, he said they disturb the regional balance and should be reconsidered.
He clarified that North Korea does not hold inherent hostility towards the United States, but seeks relations based on mutual respect and equality. “We want friendship on an equal footing,” he said.
He further shared that President Kim Jong Un is currently focusing on public welfare initiatives. Recently, 2,000 residential flats have been constructed and are expected to be distributed to the public through the Workers’ Party. He added that special emphasis is also being placed on information technology, with children being equipped with modern skills.
At the conclusion of the event, the North Korean Ambassador cut the New Year cake along with Daily The Spokesman Editor Naveed Ahmed Khan, Chairman Almas Ayub Sabir, and Burj Al-Zaki Chief Executive, Mr. Salahuddin Ayyubi.
The event concluded with a special observance, reaffirming aspirations for friendship, peace and international security.
