Cuba, North Korea vow to further strengthen ties

Havana, Nov 23 : Cuba and North Korea have vowed to strengthen ties amid escalating and growing political tensions with the US.

In a meeting on Wednesday with his visiting North Korea counterpart Ri Yong Ho, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez reiterated Havana's position that the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula can only be resolved through dialogue and negotiations, reports Xinhua news agency.

"Cuba pleads for peace and political stability on the Korean peninsula," he said.

The Cuban diplomat also rejected "unilateral sanctions" and the inclusion of North Korea in the US list of state sponsors of terrorism only two days ago by President Donald Trump's administration.

"We reiterate our respect for state sovereignty and independence, (and) the self-determination of its people, and reject the use of force against any nation," added Rodriguez.

He said that the relations between Havana and Pyongyang have developed in a satisfactory way on the basis of the traditional friendship established by leaders of older generations of the two nations.

"The situation on the Korean Peninsula is worsening and is tense because of the increased use of military forces by the imperialists," Ri said in response.

The North Korea Foreign Minister arrived in Cuba on Monday and is expected to meet Cuban President Raul Castro.

The visit comes at a time when both countries' ties with the US were once again strained.

Cuba and North Korea have maintained sound political and economic relations since the establishment of their diplomatic ties in 1960.