Cuba, North Korea sign agreements to expand trade ties

Cuba and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) signed agreements Friday designed to expand bilateral trade ties, state daily Granma reported.
The two documents on commercial exchange and commercial payments were signed during a meeting between Cuban Foreign Trade and Investment Minister Rodrigo Malmierca and the new ambassador of Pyongyang in Havana, Pak Chang Yul.
The two officials also "agreed to a protocol on the general conditions for the delivery of goods between the two ministries," the daily said.
Malmierca highlighted the traditional ties of friendship that exist between Cuba and the Asian country, and called for continued cooperation for mutual benefit.
Pak Chang Yul, in turn, said the new agreements "will contribute to the diversification of Cuba's trade exchange," according to the daily.
Cuba and the DPRK officially established ties in 1960 and also cooperate on political matters at international forums.