North Korea's state-run media says Vice Foreign Minister Pak Myong Ho has met with Mongolia's president. The senior diplomat is said to have emphasized plans to develop friendly bilateral ties and strengthen cooperation and exchange.

The Korean Central News Agency says Pak and a foreign ministry delegation visited Mongolia. Pak reportedly met with President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh on Monday and conveyed greetings from leader Kim Jong Un.

In a speech outlining foreign policy for this year, Kim has said that North Korea will be expanding and strengthening its activities in foreign relations.

Kim has issued instructions to fortify relations with friendly countries at a time when Japan, the United States and South Korea are deepening their cooperation on security. Mongolia has friendly ties with North Korea and an embassy in the country.

Pyongyang has been stepping up diplomatic activity since easing its tight border controls following the pandemic.

North Korea's announcement on Tuesday coincides with the arrival of a Russian culture ministry delegation in Pyongyang.