UN envoy meets N.Korean honorary president

A top UN envoy met the honorary president of North Korea and other government official during his visit to Pyongyang, state media reported on Thursday.

Under-Secretary General Mark Lowcock on Wednesday paid a courtesy visit to Kim Yong-nam, who also serves as chairman of the Presidium of the North Korean Supreme People's Assembly, at the Mansudae Assembly Hall, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported.

Lowcock and his party also met the North Korean Minister of Public Health, Jang Jun-sang, at the People's Palace of Culture in Pyongyang, reports Efe news.

The UN delegation began a four-day visit to North Korea on Monday, during which it also visited the Pyongyang Children's Foodstuff Factory, the Tower of the Juche Idea and the Korean Rehabilitation Centre for Children with Disability, the KCNA report said.

KCNA also said without specifying the date that Lowcock travelled to Unryul and Sinchon counties of South Hwanghae Province to observe "aid projects."

Lowcock is the first UN humanitarian aid coordinator to visit North Korea since 2011.

This trip to North Korea is aimed at meeting with the regime's officials, humanitarian workers and citizens who receive humanitarian aid to better understand the current situation in North Korea.

Lowcock plans to conclude his visit to North Korea on Thursday, the UN said in a statement prior to his departure.

--IANS

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