Pyongyang has agreed to implement a nuclear disarmament deal struck in February, reviving a long-stalled plan to provide the DPRK with fuel in exchange for closing the Yongbyon reactor.

Head of the four-member team from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Olli Heinonen, said he was optimistic about the trip, but admitted he was unclear whether he would be allowed to visit Yongbyon.

Mr Heinonen said they would be discussing procedures for IAEA inspectors to monitor the shutdown and sealing of Yongbyon.

The Republic of Korea (RoK) has said it will resume food aid to the DPRK, now that a dispute over frozen DPRK funds has finally been solved. The deliveries of rice to the country, which is still struggling with food shortages, are due to start on June 30.