North Korea has reportedly named former Vice Foreign Minister Ri Yong-ho as its new foreign minister.

The Associated Press reported on Tuesday that North Korea’s Embassy in London informed the British government of Ri's appointment through a diplomatic letter.

Ri previously served as the North’s chief delegate to the six-party nuclear talks and as the North’s ambassador in London.

AP said that the North did not mention outgoing Foreign Minister Ri Su-yong in the note.