N. Korean mission to visit Gov. Richardson

SANTA FE, N.M., Aug. 19 (UPI) -- A North Korean delegation is visiting New Mexico to meet with Gov. Bill Richardson to discuss renewable energy, among other things, officials said.

The North Korean delegation -- members of the country's mission to the United Nations -- received permission to go to Santa Fe from the U.S. State Department, the Albuquerque Journal reported Wednesday.

The delegation was to meet with Richardson on both Wednesday and Thursday, the newspaper said.

Richardson's spokesman, Gilbert Gallegos, said the North Koreans initiated the visit, and likely would focus on New Mexico's renewable energy portfolio. He did not reveal other potential discussion points.

"The governor is not negotiating or speaking on behalf of the Obama administration," Gallegos told the Journal.

The visit marks the third time a North Korean delegation has traveled to Santa Fe to meet with Richardson, who possesses an extensive diplomatic resume. Richardson was the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations during the Clinton administration, and has acted as a diplomatic troubleshooter, including missions to North Korea, Sudan, Cuba and Iraq.