Franklin Graham visits North Korea

PYONGYANG, North Korea, Oct. 14 (UPI) -- The Rev. Franklin Graham, son of evangelist Billy Graham, is in North Korea for meetings with officials, his international charity said.

The Korean Central News Agency reported that Graham arrived Tuesday in Pyongyang and gave Kim Jong Il, the North Korean leader, an undescribed gift, CNN reported.

Graham is president of the evangelical association founded by his father and of Samaritan's Purse, which provides international relief and community development.

"I believe it is important to make visits like this to help improve relations and to have a better understanding with each other," Graham said on the Samaritan's Purse Web site.

KCNA, the official government news agency, reported he made a similar statement on his arrival.