North Korean ambassador to Mexico Soh Chae-myong has stressed the significance of furthering inter-Korean cooperation to advance the economies of both sides.

Soh was on hand to extend a welcome to visiting South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun at a state dinner hosted by Mexican President Vicente Fox Friday.

It marked the first time for the South Korean president to meet a North Korean diplomat while visiting a foreign country.

Following the meeting, Soh said the two Koreas should exert more efforts for mutual economic development that transcends ideological, philosophical, and systemic differences.

He also said it is high time to demonstrate the greatness of Korean people to the world by actively pursuing economic and trade activities.

Soh was also quoted as saying that in the wake of the June 15th inter-Korean joint declaration, the two sides should move away from confrontation and national division toward reconciliation and cooperation.