As the world takes sides on Scotland's upcoming independence vote, the "yes" camp just gained an unexpected supporter.
According to a report from The Telegraph, North Korea backs Scottish independence, and hopes to increase trade with the nation if it leaves the United Kingdom.
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Choe Kwan-il, managing editor of pro-North Korea newspaper Chonson Sinbo, told The Telegraph North Korea has quietly endorsed Scottish independence.
"I believe that every person has the right to be a member of an independent nation, to have sovereignty, to live in peace and to enjoy equality," Choe said. "And I believe that a majority of Scots feel the same and will vote for independence."
Based in Tokyo, Chonson Sinbo is supported by Pyongyang and has an audience of about 200,000 readers. The publication is often seen as a mouthpiece for the views of the North Korean government. Choe said a "yes" vote in the Sept. 18 referendum would be beneficial for both Scotland and North Korea.
"I think that independence would be a very positive thing for Scotland," Choe said. "North Korea is rich in natural resources and we like the taste of Scotch whisky, so we can be beneficial to each other."
So Chung-on, director of the International Affairs Bureau of The General Association of Korean Residents of Japan, told The Telegraph it is unclear if the notoriously isolated country has reported news of Scotland's potential split internally, but the people will hear of it if the country votes "yes."
"The result will be very important and if the Scots do vote to become independent, then North Korea will be prepared to respond to that," he said.