Iran's Rouhani hosts DPRK FM in wake of fresh US sanctions

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Iranian President Hassan Rouhani reiterated his criticism of the US withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal during a meeting with visiting Foreign Minister of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Ri Yong Ho on Wednesday, a day after Washington re-imposed sanctions on the Islamic republic.

"The US is considered an uncertain and unaccountable country in the world that does not comply with its commitments," he said.

During the meeting, Rouhani expressed his country's support to peace and security on the Korean Peninsula, adding that he hopes for a broad and comprehensive expansion of ties with Pyongyang.

Foreign Minister Ri made similar remarks, saying the DPRK aims to confront the trend of unilateralism as a matter of strategic policy.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani (R) meets the DPRK Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho (1st L) in the capital Tehran, August 8, 2018. /VCG Photo

The DPRK diplomat also briefed Rouhani on the nuclear negotiation between Pyongyang and Washington, local media said.

Ri decried the US withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal as incorrect and contradictory to international regulations.

Ri met Tuesday with his Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif in an effort to bolster long-standing relations between the countries.

Iran and the DPRK have maintained relations for decades and pledged cooperation in educational, scientific and cultural spheres.

Ri's trip to Iran was the first by a senior DPRK official since Rouhani was re-elected president last year.