Myanmar and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) have agreed on bilateral visa exemption for diplomatic, service and official passport holders, the official newspaper New Light of Myanmar reported today.

The agreement on the move between the two governments was signed during a five-day visit of DPRK Deputy Foreign Minister Kim Yong II to Myanmar from Nov. 6 to 10.

During the visit, First Secretary of the Myanmar State Peace and Development Council Lieutenant-General Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo and Foreign Minister U Nyan Win met with Kim in Nay Pyi Taw.

Kim also had the 3rd Bilateral Consultation Meeting with his Myanmar counterpart U Kyaw Thu in the new capital covering consular matters, development of the two countries, cooperation in trade, economy and technology as well as further cementing friendly relations between the two countries, according to the report.

Following the re-establishment of diplomatic relations between Myanmar and the DPRK in April 2007, U Kyaw Thu visited Pyongyang in September the same year, initiating an agreement with Kim on consultation between the two countries' foreign ministries to develop bilateral ties.

As a follow-up, the two countries sought cooperation in flight program, increase of tourist arrivals to Myanmar from the DPRK, maritime cooperation, promotion of bilateral economic cooperation and participation of DPRK companies in the country's construction sector.

In late October this year, the Myanmar foreign minister U Nyan Win also visited Pyongyang, meeting his DPRK counterpart Pak Ui Chun. The two foreign ministers pledged to improve bilateral ties.