A Beijing newspaper says that North Korean Foreign Minister Pak Ui-chun's first appearance on the world stage left an impression, calling his approach "smile diplomacy."

The paper commended his diplomatic initiative, his active response to reporters and his bright smile during the ASEAN Regional Forum ministerial meeting Thursday in Manila.

It was Pak's first global appearance since becoming foreign minister in May.

He is said to have invited other attendees to visit North Korea, while holding particularly friendly talks with South Korean Foreign Minister Song Min-soon.

The paper said that Pak, who had built respect while serving as ambassador to Russia for eight years, has a full plate of diplomatic issues to resolve including the six-party process and the management of bilateral ties with Washington and Seoul.