Leading North Korean visits Vietnam

The second most senior North Korean leader, Kim Yong Nam, has begun a visit to Vietnam - the first by a top North Korean official for about 40 years.

Vietnam is the world's second biggest exporter of rice and Mr Kim is expected to put securing supplies for his famine-hit country at the top of his agenda.

Correspondents say Vietnam is unlikely to provide much in the way of aid, but might barter rice supplies for North Korean weapons.

While in Hanoi, Mr Kim is also expected to press his government's case on moves towards reunification with South Korea - an issue likely to be raised at a regional summit being hosted by Vietnam later this month.

Mr Kim is also due to visit Laos and Cambodia.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service