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N. Korea, Iran forge stronger alliance amid heightening sanctions

N. Korea, Iran forge stronger alliance amid heightening sanctions

Posted August. 07, 2017 07:18,   

Updated August. 07, 2017 07:30

한국어

Bilateral cooperation between North Korea and Iran is expected to show closer coordination since the inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump. During his 10-day stay in Iran to participate in the inauguration ceremony of new Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, Kim Yong Nam, head of North Korea's parliament, is expected to forge closer ties on anti-American policies. Furthermore, many see the newly constructed North Korea Embassy in Iran opened on the day of arrival of Kim as a symbolic gesture.

During his talk with Iranian parliament speaker Ali Larijan on Friday, the North Korean leader said, "Iran and North Korea share a mutual enemy (the U.S.). We firmly support Iran on its stance that the development of missiles should not be authorized by any nation." Moreover, Kim Jong Un said, "Though we pursue peace, we will not give up our national interests, and will take more aggressive approach against the threats from the U.S."

It is predicted that cooperation between North Korea and Iran will further strengthen, as President Trump recently signed an extensive bill on sanctioning North Korea, Russia and Iran. With prolonged anti-Americanism, North Korea and Iran are known for their bilateral cooperation in ballistic missile development projects. According to U.S. intelligence, Iranian missiles developed in the early stage were based on North Korean missile technology, and Iranian scientists also participated in past nuclear tests conducted by North Korea.



Min-Woo Park minwoo@donga.com