The government has urged the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) to provide financial aid to North Korea.

In Vienna, Seoul’s top envoy to Austria, Ambassador Cho Chang-beom, called for financial contributions and cooperation from the international community for the success of economic projects underway in North Korea.

In his keynote speech to the U.N. organization's general assembly, Cho noted that the projects have progressed thus far thanks to Seoul’s financial support.

He stressed that the international support will not only alleviate economic hardships in the North but also facilitate the long-term industrialization of the Stalinist state.

Delegates from 171 UNIDO member nations are participating in the 11th general assembly from Monday to Friday.