Rodong Sinmun says this in an article on Sunday.

Global independence is the common aspiration of humankind and to realize it is an urgent historic task in the present era, the article notes, and goes on:

Independence is a main criterion of an independent and sovereign state and it finds a vivid expression in state power.

Without mutual respect of sovereignty, it is impossible to realize sincere cooperation and exchange and establish solid international relations among countries. That is why the UN Charter and other international conventions define it to respect sovereignty of each country as an important principle.

To keep the principle of equality is an important requirement for sound development of international relations.

All countries and nations are equal as members of the international community.

Countries have different territorial sizes, populations and social economic development levels but equality should be ensured in relations among themselves.

All countries and nations should develop the friendly and cooperative relations on the principle of mutual respect, not violating the other's sovereignty. Only when they do so, can equality and sovereignty be ensured.

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea is consistently holding fast to the stand to mend and develop the relations with any countries which respect its sovereignty and are friendly toward to it, although they were hostile and antagonistic towards it in the past.

The world progressive countries and people should positively struggle to develop the international relations genuinely and soundly on the principle of independence, equality and mutual respect and build a new independent, peaceful and friendly world.