UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has met with North Korea’s parliamentary leader, Kim Yong-nam, on the sidelines of the 16th Nonaligned Movement (NAM) Summit in Iran.

In an exclusive interview with KBS on Thursday, Ban confirmed that he met with the North Korean parliamentary chief.

Ban said he conveyed to Kim that the UN plans to continuously provide assistance to the North, and he stressed the importance of advancing inter-Korean relations.

The UN chief noted that discussions have not been held regarding a possible visit to North Korea.

Whether or not Ban makes the trip is anticipated to serve as a litmus test in gauging the North's future in diplomacy following Kim Jong-un's ascent to power.