IRNA – Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is scheduled to hold meeting with Leader of the Workers' Party of Korea Kim Jong-un, American media Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported.


According to WSJ, “the report didn’t specify when a visit by Mr. Assad might take place, but quoted the Syrian president as saying: “I am going to visit the DPRK and meet HE Kim Jong Un,” using the acronym for the North’s formal name, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. “HE” is short for “His Excellency.”

'If the visit takes place, it will add to a recent burst of diplomacy between North Korea—one of the world’s most isolated countries—and its neighbors and allies,' WSJ reported.

Syria has close ties with North Korea, and Messrs. Assad and Kim are frequently quoted in North Korean state media exchanging well wishes and pleasantries on their parties’ and countries’ respective national holidays and anniversaries.

Syrian president made the remarks on May 30 while receiving newly-appointed North Korean envoy to Damascus Mun Jong Nam.

As per WSJ, Assad addressing the meeting said “recent developments on the Korean Peninsula—a likely reference to Mr. Kim’s diplomatic meetings—were brought about “by the outstanding political caliber and wise leadership of HE Kim Jong Un.”

“I am sure that he will achieve the final victory and realize the reunification of Korea without fail,” he added.

“The Syrian government would fully support all policies and measures of the DPRK leadership,” he was quoted as saying.