North Korean delegation visits Iran, rare public announcement

North Korea’s Minister in charge of foreign economic relations Yun Jong-ho boarded a plane to leave Pyongyang on April 23, leading a delegation from this ministry to visit Iran, according to KCNA.

KCNA did not give any other details, but this is considered a rare public announcement about an exchange between North Korea and Iran, which is considered by many sides to have a secret military relationship, according to Reuters.

North Korea and Iran are suspected of cooperating on ballistic missile programs, possibly exchanging technical expertise and components used in the two countries’ production of these weapons.

Previously, Reuters reported in February that Iran had provided a large number of ballistic missiles to Russia for use in the war with Ukraine. North Korea is also suspected of supplying missiles and artillery to Russia, although both countries deny this accusation.

Also according to KCNA, Minister Yun has actively participated in increasing exchange activities between North Korea and Russia, leading a delegation to visit Moscow this month.

According to a South Korean government database, Minister Yun worked on North Korea’s relationship with Syria.