The New York Times says North Korea is facing serious economic difficulties although it has promised to its people that the nation will be strong and prosperous by 2012.

A journalist, who accompanied New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson on a recent visit to the North, said in the article that while there were no obvious signs of impending collapse or political intrigue around the fate of the North’s ailing leader, she could see why the North might be particularly eager to resume international aid and trade.

The report also suggests that the North may have invited Richardson in a bid to reduce its isolation from the international community.