Pyongyang, November 17 (KCNA) -- I hope that the DPRK would play an active role in ASEAN, including the regional forum, in the future, too, and thus contribute to the development of relations with ASEAN and the process of building ASEAN Community.

Surin Pitsuwan, secretary-general of ASEAN, said this on Nov. 11 when receiving credentials from Ri Jong Ryul, DPRK ambassador to this body.

The secretary-general said:

I am pleased with the fact that everything is going well in the DPRK under the wise leadership of Kim Jong Il, and hope for greater successes and progress in your country.

The relations between ASEAN and the DPRK have developed on good terms after the latter joined the ASEAN Regional Forum.