Vice-minister Pak Kil Yon made the remarks during a meeting with Iranian Vice President Mohammad Reza Rahimi. on Tuesday. The comments were posted late Tuesday on the website of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Pak is on an official visit to Iran.

Rahimi said improving ties between Tehran and Pyongyang are “a thorn in the eyes of world’s arrogant powers” — a clear reference to the United States.

Iran has long refused to comment on its close relationship with North Korea.

In November, a U.S. intelligence assessment concluded that Iran has received advanced North Korean missiles capable of targeting European capitals.