NKorea PM in Cambodia to boost trade

PHNOM PENH (AFP) — North Korean Prime Minister Kim Yong-Il arrived in Cambodia Thursday under heavy security, starting a rare visit focused on boosting trade between the two impoverished nations.

Kim and Cambodian counterpart Hun Sen later oversaw the signing of the countries' first investment agreement, as well as a deal to increase trade between their sea ports.

"The main topic (of Kim's visit) is economic and trade relations. They would like to buy some more Cambodian products in the future," said Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Namhong.

He added that while the two countries were politically close, trade relations remained very low.

Kim asked that Cambodia and North Korea exchange views on international issues and support each other "to avoid pressure from powerful countries," Cambodian Information Minister Khieu Kanharith told reporters following afternoon talks.

The North's premier blamed the United States, one of Pyongyang's biggest adversaries, for escalating tensions on the Korean peninsula, Khieu Kanharith said.

Kim, the highest-ranking North Korean official to visit Cambodia in six years, was greeted earlier in the day at the airport by Prime Minister Hun Sen and hundreds of flag-waving students.

During his four-day stay he will also call on former king Norodom Sihanouk, a long-time friend of North Korea who frequently stays in a palace in Pyongyang provided to him by the North's first leader, Kim Il-Sung.

"Our current visit will mark a significant occasion in... giving a vital and extensive boost to friendly and cooperative relations in several fields," said a statement from the North's delegation.

Last month Cambodia's Commerce Minister Cham Prasidh said North Korea wanted to build business ties with Cambodia as a way to gain access to world markets largely closed to the communist state by sanctions.

"Through investment, North Korea may see Cambodia as a bridge by which to produce goods and export to bigger countries," he said at the time.

More than 4,000 military and security personnel have deployed throughout the capital Phnom Penh during Kim's visit, the interior ministry said.

Kim visited Vietnam and Malaysia before arriving Cambodia. He will also tour Laos before returning home.