CAIRO: North Korean President of the Presidium of the Supreme People s Assembly Kim Jong-Nam paid his first ever visit to Egypt yesterday where he met with President Hosni Mubarak.
Mena reported that the leaders discussed bilateral relations and international affairs, but did not specify what topics were touched upon.
The North Korean embassy was equally as sketchy when contacted by Daily News Egypt, a spokesman saying that they had no details of the visit or the topics set for discussion.
Analysts contacted by Daily News Egypt refused to speculate on what would possibly be discussed during Jong-Nam’s visit.
Initially, the Egyptian media had reported that it was the supreme North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il who was visiting Cairo but a presidential spokesman told AFP “The name published is wrong, it is not Kim Jong-Il, it is Kim Jong-Nam.
The Egyptian Orascom Construction Industries signed an investment deal with the state owned-cement plant Sangwon Cement to the tune of $115 million earlier this month.
There is a US commercial embargo on North Korea, which has limited investment in the communist country, especially Western investment.
Ties between the two countries are good, and Mubarak has visited North Korea numerous times. The Egyptian president hosted a banquet in Jong-Nam’s honour and the members of his delegation.
Mubarak also received Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal yesterday, who paid a quick visit to Egypt comprising a few hours.
