TEHRAN – North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong-ho on Thursday voiced his country’s satisfaction with the growing relations with Iran amid U.S. economic pressure on both countries, Press TV reported.

In a meeting with Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani in Tehran, Ri highlighted North Korea’s cordial and old-age relations with Iran, thanking the Islamic Republic for standing by his country in difficult times.

Pointing to North Korea’s latest talks with the U.S., he said Pyongyang supports denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, but will not give up its nuclear technology as Washington may not set aside its enmity towards the country.

Larijani, for his part, underlined the need for boosting cooperation with North Korea.

He also warned against Washington’s lack of commitment to its international agreements.

“The Americans speak very well during negotiations and promise a bright future, but in practice, they do not meet any of their obligations,” Larijani said.

Ri arrived in Tehran Tuesday for an official visit at his own request and sat down with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and President Hassan Rouhani.

MH/PA