Singapore - Singapore will help North Korea in economic matters, though the city-state is not a big player in north-east Asian politics, Singapore's Foreign Minister George Yeo said in published remarks Thursday.

"We must be realistic, accept that we are not a major player in north-east Asia, but where we can be helpful and promote trade and exchanges, we should," The Straits Times quoted Yeo as saying, as he wrapped up an official visit to North Korea, the first by a Singapore minister.

Yeo met with North Korea's second-ranking political leader Kim Yong Nam, Foreign Minister Pak Ui Chun and Foreign Trade Minister Ri Ryong Nam.

Singapore is the only ASEAN country without an ambassador to Pyongyang.

Describing the trip as an "eye opener," Yeo also called for closer ties between the Association of South-East Asian Nations
(ASEAN) and Pyongyang, the report said.

North Korean officials reportedly told Yeo that they would favourably consider acceding to the ASEAN Treaty of Amity and Cooperation, a request made by the regional grouping in February.

The deal commits signatories to respect the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the member countries.

North Korea joined the ASEAN Regional Forum in 2000.

"I think there is a fair chance that by the time the North Korean foreign minister comes to Singapore for the ASEAN Regional Forum in July, they will accede to the treaty," Yeo said. "But that's the decision for them to make."

ASEAN also includes Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Brunei, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia and Myanmar. (dpa)