North Korea says it has always pursued positive and friendly relations with even capitalist countries.

The North’s official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said Monday it's a significant diplomatic achievement that Pyongyang recently formed diplomatic ties with several countries.

A pro-Pyongyang newspaper based in Japan also noted Monday that recent diplomatic efforts by senior North Korean officials show their will to broaden and improve ties with other countries at a time when the six-party process enters a critical phase.

As examples of such efforts, the Choson Sinbo cited Vietnamese Communist Party Secretary General Nong Duc Manh’s recent visit to Pyongyang, which included a warm reception by North Korean leader Kim Jong-il. The Japan-based newspaper also positively noted North Korean Premier Kim Yong-il’s ongoing tour to Southeast Asian nations including Vietnam.