North Korea has dispatched a delegation to Southeast Asian nations ahead of the country's founding anniversary next week.

The delegation headed by Vice Foreign Minister Pak Sang Gil stopped at an airport in Beijing on Saturday.

Diplomatic sources say the delegation is scheduled to visit Southeast Asian countries including Vietnam, Indonesia and Thailand for talks with senior government officials.

The sources say a separate North Korean delegation has been sent to Bulgaria and other countries in Eastern Europe.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said in a speech on this year's diplomatic policy that the country should strengthen relations with friendly nations.

His remarks are believed to be aimed at countering Japan, the United States and South Korea.

Kim has already sent delegations to Russia, Iran and Mongolia this year. Pyongyang has been deepening military cooperation with Moscow.

North Korea apparently wants to showcase its good diplomatic relations with other countries as it celebrates its founding anniversary on Monday.