PYONGYANG, May 18 (Xinhua) -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Friday appointed Pak Ui-chun as its new Minister of Foreign Affairs, the official news agency reported.

Pak's appointment was made under a May 18 decree of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly, said the Korean Central News Agency.

Pak, a former ambassador to Russia, replaces Paek Nam-sun, who passed away at the age of 78 on Jan. 2.