Seoul: North Korea's Premier Pak Thae-song has sent a congratulatory message to the newly appointed Mongolian prime minister and called for the development of bilateral cooperation, the North's state media reported Tuesday.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Pak sent the message to Prime Minister Zandanshatar Gombojav on Saturday, following the overwhelming approval from Mongolian lawmakers of the former parliamentary speaker's appointment as prime minister.

The message conveyed Pak's confidence that the traditional friendship and cooperation between the countries will develop for their mutual benefit. It also expressed hope for success in the prime minister's policies on developing the economy and improving the people's well-being.