Mongolia to urge N.Korea to continue talks

The foreign minister of Mongolia, which has longstanding ties with North Korea, says he will urge the country to hold talks with the United States and Japan and to refrain from further provocative acts.

Damdin Tsogtbaatar, who is on a trip to the US, spoke to NHK over the phone on Saturday.

He stressed Ulan Bator 's friendly ties with Pyongyang and revealed that a Mongolian delegation is visiting North Korea to celebrate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties.

Asked about the second US-North Korea summit which broke down in Hanoi, he said it was part of an ongoing process and urged observers not be disappointed. He added that Mongolia will continue to offer support and help set the stage for dialogue.

Tsogtbaatar also expressed concern over recent reports in North Korea's state media claiming the country has tested what it calls a "new type of tactical guided weapon." He described it as a provocative act that would have a negative impact on the current situation.

On the issue of Japanese nationals abducted by the North, Tsogtbaatar said his country has supported dialogue between Japan and North Korea and will continue its cooperation.